A Quick and Flavorful Savory Bread Stir-Fry

Name: A Quick and Flavorful Savory Bread Stir-Fry (Spicy South Indian Bread Upma)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 16 slices bread (any leftover bread); 16 slices bread (any leftover bread); Salted butter, softened, for spreading; 1 tablespoon sunflower or canola oil; 1 tablespoon sunflower or canola oil; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 2 onions, thinly sliced; 2 green chiles, finely chopped; 3 tomatoes, finely chopped; 3 sprigs curry leaves, coarsely torn; 3 sprigs curry leaves, coarsely torn; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon sambar powder; Kosher salt; 6 sprigs cilantro, finely chopped

Spicy South Indian Bread Upma

Preparation info

Yield:
4
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

Bread upma is a delicious and easy-to-make South Indian dish that transforms leftover bread into a spicy, tangy, and flavorful upma. Tossed with mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, and a hint of spice, this dish offers up a perfect balance of crunch and softness.

Ingredients

16 slices bread (any leftover bread)
Salted butter, softened, for spreading
1 tablespoon

Asia
India
Breakfast
Snack
Vegetarian

Method

Toast the bread using a toaster or skillet. Spread the softened butter over the toast, then cut it into small cubes. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. Stir in the onions and green chiles. Sauté until the onions are soft and tender. Add the tomatoes, curry leaves, turmeric powder, and sambar powder. Stir and c