Dry-roast the rava on low until it smells nutty and is just past pale, before any water goes near it. Roasting keeps each grain separate so the upma turns out fluffy; skip it and the semolina clumps into a gummy paste.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineIndian
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Rava (semolina)
Coarse or medium sooji, not fine; dry-roast to keep it fluffy.
1 cup
Local / market
Mustard seeds
They pop in hot oil to start the tempering.
1 tsp
Local / market
Urad and chana dal
A spoon of each fried for nutty crunch in the temper.
1 tbsp each
Local / market
Curry leaves
Fresh leaves are essential to the aroma.
1 sprig
Local / market
Ginger and green chili
Minced fine for warmth and gentle heat.
1 inch, 2 chilies
Local / market
Onion
Finely chopped and softened before the water goes in.
Can you make Rava Upma in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Rava Upma? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Rava Upma ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Rava Upma gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Rava Upma vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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