Mint-Flavored Savory Vermicelli Breakfast

Name: Mint-Flavored Savory Vermicelli Breakfast (Pudina Semiya Upma)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, coarsely chopped; 2 green chiles, coarsely chopped; ½ cup chopped mint leaves (pudina); ½ cup chopped mint leaves (pudina); ¼ cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons ghee; ½ teaspoon mustard seeds; ½ teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon white urad dal (split); 1 sprig curry leaves, finely chopped; 2 cups semiya (vermicelli); 2 cups semiya (vermicelli); Kosher salt

Pudina Semiya Upma

Preparation info

Yield:
4
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

Pudina Semiya Upma is a refreshing twist on the classic South Indian breakfast, infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh mint (pudina). This light yet wholesome dish combines roasted vermicelli with a simple tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chiles, making it a perfect balance of spice and freshness.

Ingredients

Pudina Paste

1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1-inch

Method

Add all the ingredients for the pudina paste into a blender jar along with ¼ cup of water and blend to form a paste. The mixture will not be completely smooth. Set aside.

Heat the ghee in a saucepan over medium heat, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and urad dal and allow the seeds to crackle for a few seconds until the dal turns golden brown and crisp. Stir in the curry leave