Can vegetable upma be stored without losing its texture? Find out how to prep this popular breakfast dish so it doesn't become dry or clumpy upon reheating.
1 Answer
Vegetable upma is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating it with a splash of water or milk can help restore some of its original texture.
Detailed Explanation:
Upma, a savory South Indian breakfast dish, tends to dry out upon refrigeration. This is because the semolina (rava or sooji) continues to absorb moisture even after cooking. When storing vegetable upma, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation, which can lead to a mushy texture. To reheat, microwave it with a tablespoon or two of water or milk per serving. The added liquid helps to rehydrate the semolina and prevent it from becoming overly dry. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed. Avoid over-reheating, as this can further dry out the upma. The vegetables in the upma will also soften further upon reheating, so keep that in mind.
Pro Tip:
To minimize texture loss, consider undercooking the upma slightly when you initially prepare it if you know you'll be storing leftovers. This way, it won't become overly soft after reheating.