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Upma is a savory, comforting porridge from South India, made by toasting fine semolina (rava) and cooking it with water, onions, spices, and herbs. It's a popular breakfast or snack, often tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and cashews for a fragrant, textured dish.
Upma is primarily a carbohydrate-rich dish from the semolina, providing quick energy, with moderate fat from the tempering and optional nuts. A typical serving offers around 200-250 calories, along with some iron and B vitamins from the grains.
Culturally, upma is a versatile dish that can be adapted with various vegetables, making it a common way to incorporate nutrients into a simple meal. Its unique texture—fluffy yet slightly grainy—comes from the specific toasting technique used before cooking.