Sewaiyan Upma Recipe: Quick and Satisfying Vermicelli Breakfast in 20 Minutes

Hello, food lovers! Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine and looking for something quick, delicious, and utterly satisfying? Sewaiyan Upma (also spelled Sevai Upma or Vermicelli Upma) is a delicious South Indian-style dish made with roasted vermicelli, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This savory sewai recipe is perfect for busy mornings, kids’ lunch boxes, or even a light dinner. It’s vegan, customizable, and healthier than traditional upma!
What is Sewaiyan Upma?
Sewaiyan Upma is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made by roasting thin vermicelli (seviyan) and cooking it with tempered spices, mixed vegetables, and a splash of water. Unlike the sweet Seviyan Kheer, this is a savory version that’s lightly spiced and packed with flavors from mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies.

Sewaiyan Upma Recipe: Quick Vermicelli Breakfast in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
For Roasting and Boiling Vermicelli:
- 2 cups wheatvvermicelli (seviyan/sewai)
- salt
- oil
For Tempering:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2-3 green chilies (chopped)
Vegetables:
- 1 medium 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 1/4 cup capsicum, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/4 tsp coriander powder
- mixed spice powder (garam masala) (pinch)
- fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Heat a pan on medium flame ,dry roast vermicelli .
- Roast for 3-4 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
- Stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Pro Tip: If using pre-roasted vermicelli (common in brands like MTR or Bambino), skip this step.
- Once roasted, immediately transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Boiling Vermicelli
- Bring 5-6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp oil to the water.
- Add roasted vermicelli and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the vermicelli is soft but not mushy , drain it immediately.
- Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep it non-sticky. Set aside.
- Drizzle 1 tsp oil and toss gently. Set aside.
Prepare Vegetable Masala
- While the vermicelli is draining, heat oil in a large kadai or pan on medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add curry leaves.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
- Add chopped green chillies then add chopped tomatoes.
- Add chopped vegetables(carrot,green peas and capsicum) and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes until veggies are tender but not mushy.
- Add red chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala ,mix well
Combine Boiled Vermicelli
- Add the boiled, drained, and cooled vermicelli to the pan with the prepared tempering.
- Toss gently on medium flame for 2 minutes to coat with masala.
- Cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, to allow the flavors to meld and warm the vermicelli through.
- Turn off the heat.Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- Give it one final, gentle toss. Your Sewiyan Upma is ready to serve!
Notes
Tips:-
- Boiling separately prevents stickiness and makes each strand fluffy.
- Adding a few drops of oil to the boiling water helps the vermicelli stay separate.
- You can also use millet vermicelli for a healthier version.
- Leftovers can be lightly reheated with a splash of water or ghee.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the perfect, foolproof Sewiyan Upma that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly magical.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try tomorrow morning and fill your home with its incredible aroma. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media by tagging me! I love seeing your culinary triumphs.
Happy Cooking!
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