If a dish could be described as your favorite cozy sweater, this would be it. A recipe you keep forever, know by heart, and always gives you that same comfy, homey feeling. This dish is Bread Upma: a traditional Indian breakfast - warming, filling, and brimful of herbs and spices that transform the whole into something so much greater than its parts.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Minstry of Curry
Bread Upma is comfort in a bowl! A simple yet flavorful dish that turns day-old bread and a few pantry spices into something truly satisfying. It is one of those go-to breakfasts or snacks that feels like home.
Any kind of soft American white bread that is a few days old or just past fresh works great. I prefer Arnold’s Country White Bread for Bread Upma, but this recipe is all about using what you have on hand. If you have a leftover loaf from the farmer’s market or half a loaf of sliced bread from the week, go for it. Just be sure the bread is not too tough, and if the crust feels hard to chew, trimming it off is a good idea.
My mom used to whip this up with just a few basics—slightly stale bread tossed with mustard seeds, hing, turmeric, curry leaves, green chilies, and onions. A little sugar, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh cilantro at the end took it to the next level. If you're looking for a quick, make-ahead breakfast or an easy lunch idea, Bread Upma is always a winner.
Variations
Like Poha, another iconic Indian breakfast and snack, each recipe can be as unique as the person making it. And each family often puts its spin on the dish.
Bread Upma, just like the Sooji Upma, can be fortified with veggies like tomatoes, carrots, green peas, and onions.
Peanuts or cashews are another classic addition that gives an awesome crunch and heaps of plant-based protein! They add nutrition that keeps you fuller longer and fueled up for the day.
Indian Stuffing: A New Family Tradition!
Every year at Thanksgiving, I would eat the classic American stuffing and be reminded of this delicious Bread Upma. Finally, last year, inspiration hit, and I decided to serve my Bread Upma at Thanksgiving dinner as the stuffing.
My homemade Indian Inspired Stuffing accompanied a Whole Roasted Tandoori Chicken and other festive sides like Cranberry Apple Sauce and Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole. And you know what?? SUCCESS!! My boys, who usually do not care for the traditional stuffing, loved this spiced-up version and went back for seconds and thirds!
Bread Upma Stuffing
This Indian Inspired Stuffing is a super-easy, vegetarian comfort food that can be made ahead. It’s perfect for soaking up gravies and providing that yummy bready side dish that’s an essential part of Thanksgiving dinner. And for those who like the side dishes more than the mains, this is a must for the holiday menu!!
How to make Bread Upma
Serving
Bread Upma is delicious served hot, warm, or even at room temperature. It makes a quick, satisfying breakfast, packs perfectly into lunch boxes, and pairs wonderfully with afternoon chai as a spicy snack.
★ Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know, or snap a quick pic and upload it—I love seeing your creations. If you’re on Instagram, tag @ministry_of_curry so I can check it out. Your feedback means so much to me and makes all the time I spend perfecting each recipe totally worth it. Thank you!
Recipe
Bread Upma
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 8 slices hearty white bread see notes
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon hing
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 20 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies slit lengthwise
- 1 laqrge yellow onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ lemon juiced
- ½ cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
Instructions
- Cut the bread slices into 1-inch pieces and reserve.
- In a large wok or pan heat oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Lower the heat and add hing, turmeric, curry leaves, and green chilies. Give a quick stir.
- Add diced onion and salt. Mix well and cook covered on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Add cubed bread and sugar. Mix well. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water and cook covered on low heat for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Bread Upma can be fortified with veggies like tomatoes, carrots, and green peas. You can add any of these veggies once the onions are sauteed and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the bread pieces.
- Peanuts or cashews are another classic addition that gives a really awesome crunch and heaps of plant-based protein! Add them along with curry leaves and green chilies.
Kinnary P. says
Pure nostalgia!!! This recipe is so delicious. It takes me back to my childhood in India !! Thank you Archana for creating such a versatile recipe that can be used in so many ways, including this modern version as a stuffing during thanksgiving!! It was a hit at our Friendsgiving dinner.
Archana says
Thank you for the lovely feedback!