Yes, upma mix can be used for more than just upma. It can be adapted to make dishes like cutlets, pancakes, or even used as a stuffing for vegetables.
Upma mix is essentially a blend of semolina (rava or sooji), spices, and sometimes lentils or dried vegetables. This versatile combination lends itself well to various culinary applications beyond the traditional upma. The semolina provides a base that can be bound together with moisture and other ingredients, while the spices add flavor.
Here are a few examples of how you can use upma mix in different recipes:
Upma Cutlets: Mix the cooked upma with mashed potatoes, finely chopped vegetables (like carrots, peas, and beans), and spices. Shape them into cutlets, coat with breadcrumbs, and shallow fry or bake until golden brown.
Upma Pancakes (Uttapam): Combine cooked upma with yogurt or buttermilk to create a batter. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies for extra flavor. Pour spoonfuls of the batter onto a hot griddle and cook like pancakes until golden brown on both sides.
Vegetable Stuffing: Use cooked upma as a stuffing for vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or potatoes. Bake the stuffed vegetables until tender.
Upma Dosa: Spread a thin layer of dosa batter on a hot griddle. Before it cooks completely, spread a layer of cooked upma over the dosa. Cook until the dosa is crisp and golden brown.
When repurposing upma mix, adjust the moisture content to suit the new recipe. If making cutlets, ensure the mixture is dry enough to hold its shape. If making pancakes, add more liquid to achieve a pourable consistency.