Aval upma is one easy and healthy breakfast recipe. I like the recipes simplicity and amazing flavours too, in spite of its simplicity.

This is my mom’s version of aval upma and it has no potato in it like the ones north Indians makes.
I have heard that about my friends, yet to try that way. But love this version too very much.
Love all the things that are made with aval/ poha/ flattened rice. Mainly because of its simplicity.
Be it Lemon poha or puli aval, its more easier as there is no cutting process needed for it.
MIL and mom makes even a soaked sweet version of aval with jaggery which can be eaten as snack in the evenings.
As always I have a small flashback story for this recipe too😷. There is a small pillayar koil (Ganesh temple) near our house.
It's very small temple. We often go there. There, they serve this as prasadam, but its a no onion version.
It will be so white, with ginger flavour along with green chilly, curry leaves and mainly coconut oil flavour.
Will be simply D-I-V-I-N-E ! Since it's a small temple, the kurukal’s wife only makes the prasadam and since in small quantity, it will be so homely and amazing as well.
I have tasted only once or may be twice, but still I could remember those flavours and taste! That much great it was 😊.
Ingredients
- Aval - Aval in Tamil means flattened rice or rice flakes. It is also known as poha in Hindi. There are many varieties of aval - Thick, thin, red rice flakes etc.
I used thin aval in this post. I have used other aval too, but it needs soaking.
This is an updated post, in old version I used thick aval. - Onion - You can skip it and use asafoetida while tempering. Lots of onion means more tasty.
- Oil - I used coconut oil as we have to be generous and this adds more flavor. But you can use any variety.
- Green chilli - This not only provides spice but also flavor.
- Ginger - Helps for intense flavor as well as digesting easily.
Variations
- No Onion poha: You can make it No onion too. Skip onion and add coconut gratings towards end for garnish.
- Add grated carrot along onion or some cooked peas, potatoes etc.
Using thick poha
If you are using thick aval, you should pre-soak before making upma. Wash and soak with water just as the same level of aval. You can do it in hot water , warm water or regular temperature.
Just the soaking time differs.
But if you are using thin poha, just wash and drain water, otherwise it may turn mushy.
Step by step photos
1. Take aval in a bowl firstly and wash well for 2-3 times. I used thin aval.
2. Drain water completely and mix salt gently.
3. Set aside.
4. Heat a kadai with oil and firstly splutter mustard. Then add the dals, roasting until golden. In goes chilli, ginger and curry leaves.
5. After that, add finely chopped onion.
6. Saute furthermore until they are soft.
7. In goes the aval with salt next.
8. After that mix gently.
9. Level the aval and cook covered.
10. After two minutes, open the lid. Drizzle coconut oil.
11. Gently mix again and switch off the stove.
Serve hot or not, it tastes and smells wonderful. Enjoy as breakfast/ dinner or snack.
Recipe card
Aval upma recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Aval Rice flakes, I used thin variety
- 1 Onion
- 3 Green chilli
- 1 tablespoon Ginger very finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- Salt
To temper
- 2 tablespoon Coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Urad dal
- 2 teaspoon Chana dal
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
Instructions
- Take aval in a bowl firstly and wash well for 2-3 times. I used
- Drain water completely and mix salt gently.
- Set aside.
- Heat a kadai with oil and firstly splutter mustard. Then add the dals, roasting until golden. In goes chilli, ginger and curry leaves.
- After that, add finely chopped onion.
- Saute furthermore until they are soft.
- In goes the aval with salt next.
- After that mix gently.
- Level the aval and cook covered.
- After two minutes, open the lid. Drizzle coconut oil.
- Gently mix again and switch off the stove.
Video
Notes
- For no onion version, skip onion and add a pinch of asafoetida while tempering. Add some fresh grated coconut for garnish.
- This upma can have a lot of variations, you can add chopped tomatoes along with onions. Add vegetables, turmeric and squeeze some lemon.
Anonymous
I always never add turmeric as I want it to resemble regular upma. My mom also makes it this way only. But I love love the coconut oil as it gives it that flavour and aroma! Yummy!
Shobha
Akila
Adding coconut oil and coconut reminds me of the coconut rice... Does this also tastes the same Raji?
Sangeetha Nambi
This looks like coconut rice... Loved ur version....
Divya Kudua
I love the simple version which you mentioned-no onion and spiced only with green chilly and ginger.Simple but so delicious!
Revathi
Perfect lighting...
RAKS KITCHEN
No this will be entirely different aroma Akila 🙂
Gayathri Ramanan
healthy breakfast recipe..looks simply delicious
Kaveri Venkatesh
The perfect breakfast for me...Adding some peanuts also gives a wonderful crunch to it...Lovely pictures.
MJ Delights
Love this version Upma..
AparnaRajeshkumar
the way u close the plate on the tawa ! amazing 🙂 i generally do this process for quick boiling ! lovely picture 🙂 every food has got this own story 🙂 we all love the story and so as photo + REcipe of yours !
Sona - Quick Picks
simple n humble..!
Veena Theagarajan
simple satisfying meal
Sushma Madhuchandra
My mom makes it the same way. The only extra thing she adds is the peanuts for the tempering 🙂
Priya Suresh
Love that bowl of droolworthy aval upma.
Kitchen Queen
love it , perfect breakfast bowl.
divya
look absolutely perfect and very tempting ..
Anonymous
Looks good !! 🙂 I love the sweet version of this with jaggery and coconut..perfect evening snack !!
DEESHA
This is exactly how we make Avalakki at home. ESP on no onion days
Shabitha Karthikeyan
I make this often. Simple and Easy breakfast recipe. Nice pictures Raji.
Nagashree
This is exactly how I make it too. wonderful breakfast. btw, I have the same bowl 🙂
Vanamala Hebbar
Nice pics...i make this everyweek
Akila
Oh ok.. Thanks Raji...
JEYASHRI SURESH
This way of making aval upma is new to me. Sounds simple and nice. Pretty clicks
Rita Bose
Looks delicious! Perfect breakfast!! 🙂
http://www.rita-bose-cooking.com/
Sharmilee! :)
Simple yet flavourful upma, love the upma seeing ur pics, lovely clicks!!
Nivedhanams Sowmya
Oh the perfect bowl of goodness!!! so delicious breakfast!!!
Sowmya
guru
hai
Babooty
Hi
"wash and drain aval completely .Then soak in hot water?
In kerala we are getting aval which i feel different one(not like shown in your picture. Even i wash it it becomes soggy and keeping for soak all become mashy :(. Any option if the aval is too flat?
Raks anand
If you are using thin variety, then please dont soak.