Dalia Upma is a savory broken wheat porridge. It is a quick, effortless, high-protein Indian breakfast recipe. Be sure to watch the video!
This wholesome upma often finds its way to my breakfast table. And when it does, I love saving up the last few spoonfuls for my evening snack with a cup of filter coffee.
It also doubles as the perfect lunchbox meal alongside fruit and buttermilk (chaas). (Also read: Lunchbox Ideas For Office)
The whole grains and vegetables make namkeen dalia a nutritious one-pot meal.
About Broken Wheat
Unlike atta (wheat flour) and maida (refined wheat flour), Dalia is whole wheat grains that are pounded or broken down. They include the husk, a viable source of nutrition and fiber. In India, the broken wheat is also known as dalia.
It is commonly used to make a variety of healthy Indian dishes.
Is Dalia good for health?
The fact that Dalia is as close to the natural form of the grain as possible makes it a much healthier option than other types of wheat by-products.
Dalia is, however, not gluten-free. Many nutritionists recommend incorporating dalia into daily meals as replacements for rice or roti because:
- Has a low Glycemic Index – great for people with diabetes or for anyone trying to consume lesser carbohydrate
- Higher protein content – This also means this takes longer to break down and release glucose, thereby preventing insulin spikes in one’s system.
- High in fiber, one stays fuller for a more extended period.
- Perfect weight-loss food because of the above reasons
- Helps digestion and prevents constipation
How To Cook Dalia (Broken Wheat)?
Dalia doesn’t need to be washed or run under water before use but can be directly added to the pan. The possibilities when cooking dalia are endless. One can prepare khichdi, sweet porridge, kheer, or pulao using the broken wheat.
Sometimes, I simply pressure cook broken wheat with salt to taste and eat it with dal and sabzi instead of rice for lunch.
Because of its high fiber content, a much less quantity of dalia is required to keep me full throughout the day than rice.
Tips To Make Fluffy Dalia Upma
Use pre-roasted dalia for this upma recipe, or dry roast the broken wheat before using it (similar to roasting sooji rava before using).
When made in a pressure cooker, I keep the broken wheat and water ration as 1:1.5 to get the perfect consistency of upma – every single time! If you are using 1 Cup of broken wheat, add water approximately 1.5 cups.
One or two whistles over medium heat are sufficient to cook the vegetables and the broken wheat.
Allow the steam to release naturally from the pressure cooker. Once you open the lid, gently fluff the upma using a fork and allow it to rest for 3 – 5 minutes before serving.
Add a dash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of ghee before serving the dish for a delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestion
You can serve dalia upma for breakfast with green mint chutney or coconut chutney. It is a fulfilling dish that does not require side dishes.
Store the leftover dalia upma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or pan before serving.
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Dalia Upma Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup dalia (broken wheat)
- 1 Cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ Cup green peas (matar)
- ¼ Cup finely chopped carrot
- ¼ Cup finely chopped green beans
- 1 tablespoon peanut
- 1 tablespoon cashews, sliced
- 1 – 2 green chili, chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1.5 Cup water
Instructions
- Dry roast dalia over low heat for 3 – 5 minutes or till aromatic and light brown in color. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- To make dalia upma heat oil in pressure cooker over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot enough add mustard seeds, jeera and wait till seeds start crackling. Then add peanuts, cashews and fry for 10 – 20 seconds.
- Add chopped onion and green chili. Saute over medium heat till onion turn light brown in color.
- Now add the vegetables and saute for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Add broken wheat to the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt, and spices. Stir to evenly combine the seasoning.
- Pour water into the pressure cooker, stir once and close the pressure cooker with the lid. Put the pressure cooker weight on and after two whistles on medium heat turn off the gas stove.
- Let the steam of pressure cooker release on its own. Once steam is released remove the lid to open the pressure cooker. Gently, fluff the upma with a fork.
- Drizzle lemon juice and freshly chopped coriander. Gently mix.
- Serve Dalia Upma warm for breakfast with mint chutney.
Recipe Notes:
- Add any vegetables of your choice or use vegetables that are in season like cauliflower, mushrooms, French beans, potatoes etc.
- You can use pre-roasted broken wheat as well.
- Do not add too much water to cook the upma, it might turn mushy. Add just enough water to immerse the ingredients in the pressure cooker.
Shivangi says
Made this for breakfast, came out really tasty!
Hina Gujral says
Wow! Glad you like the recipe. This is one of my favorite breakfast.
Samjeeta Mukerjee says
If not using pressure cooker to cook Dalia stove top method how to cook???
Hina Gujral says
use Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker.
Shruthi says
This looks so healthy and delicious. Thank you!
Vidya says
Thank you for this recipe. I had roasted dalia and had no idea what to make of it. Somehow my husband who is a fussy eater ate it happily. It turned out so nicely and is tasty.
Hina Gujral says
This upma is a great way to use roasted dalia. Glad your family liked it! Thanks for such positive feedback. Love, Hina
Neelam sharma says
I tried this recipe yesterday and it turned out so well.. My husband liked it so much who never liked dalia????
Hina Gujral says
Thank You Neelam Ji. I am so happy to hear your feedback.
Winnie says
Tried this today and it turned out so good and tasty. Makes for a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
Hina Gujral says
Thank you for such a sweet feedback. Agree with you, it is a wholesome breakfast.
usha says
how do you make it in an instant pot
Hina Gujral says
Set Saute Mode for 5 minutes. Fry all ingredients as suggested in recipe instructions. Add water. Set Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes. Release the steam and fluff the upma. The ingredients measurements will remain the same.
Raquel Monica Mason Palomeque says
Thankyou. I have been looking for an easy and delicious recipe for cooking dalia. And now I found it:)
Hina Gujral says
I am so glad you like it! Stay connected for more such fun and easy recipes.
Only My Tips says
very good recipe for testy and healthy diet
Damodar says
its looks healthy and yummy
Hina Gujral says
thank you
Jay says
Amazing recipe Hina. Thank you very much. Our family loved it.
Hina Gujral says
I am so happy to read your feedback!
NRA says
Perfect recipe, thank you! It was my first time making Dalia and I was apprehensive of making it in a pressure cooker, but turned out well and we enjoyed it!
Hina Gujral says
Thank You for your feedback! I am so glad you liked it.