Bread Upma or Savory Bread Saute is a quick and easy Indian breakfast or snack recipe. Bread upma is made using bread, a twist to a classic upma recipe.
Bread Upma is one of the easiest and quickest breakfast or snack recipe you can make. With much of the ingredients readily available this dish can be enjoyed anytime of the day. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee and you have a delicious flavor packed breakfast or snack.

Bread Upma or Savory Bread Saute is a variation to the classic Indian breakfast recipe upma which is traditionally made with sooji or semolina. Bread upma is made using bread. It is also a great way to use any leftover bread. I love to make bread upma specially when I am running short on time, this is one of the quick and easy recipes, which is quite filling and satisfying too.

There are many ways you can make this bread upma, I like to keep mine quite simple. I use just the basic ingredients such as onion, tomatoes, green chili, potatoes, some Indian spices and the soul of this dish some bread. I prefer white bread since it is less sweet in taste. You can use bread of your choice, such as whole wheat bread, baguette, dinner rolls, just make sure the bread you choose is not very sweet, since this is mainly a savory dish. Vegetables of choice such as peas, carrots may also be added for more nutritional meal. Bread upma may be seasoned using cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida for an additional flavor. Roasted peanuts may be added at the end for that extra crunch.

How to cook Bread Upma in Instant Pot?

Preparing Bread Upma in Instant Pot is a very quick and a easy way of cooking this dish without compromising on its taste or flavors. Turn on Instant Pot on a saute mode(high), add oil, when oil is hot, add onion, saute for a 1-2 mins. Now add potatoes, tomatoes, green chili, Indian spices - turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt to taste. Saute for 2-3 mins. Add water, close IP, vent sealed. Turn on manual/pressure cook mode (high) for "1" mins. ("ONE" mins is not a typo!). Let pressure release naturally, around 5 mins. Turn on saute mode (high), bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn off Instant Pot. Add bread pieces, mix gently. Let the bread soak the flavors for 2-3 mins. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

What type of bread to use?I prefer white bread for this recipe, since it is less sweet and as this dish is a savory dish, it blends in well. Some other breads that are a great alternative are baguette, dinner rolls or pav, mainly chose a bread that is least sweet, as this is a savory dish.
What vegetables may be added? Vegetables such as potatoes, peas, carrots, bell peppers may be added for an extra nutritional value.
What tempering can I add? Cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, may be used in this recipe.
The consistency of bread upma depends on a personal preference. Some like it moist but not mushy, while others like it little dry and crisp. Depending upon how you like your dish, add water to the gravy.
Since bread upma gets all its flavors from the gravy, make sure to season the gravy well before adding the bread pieces.
Add the bread pieces once the heat is completely turned off. The bread will soak up all the flavors from the gravy. Overcooking the bread will end up in a mushy bread upma.
Once you add the bread pieces, mix gently. Let bread absorb all the flavors from the gravy, before serving it.
Lemon juice may be added for a tangy flavor.
Roasted peanuts may be added for an extra crunch.

Bread Upma / Savory Bread Saute - Instant Pot, Stove Top

How to cook Bread Upma in Instant Pot?

Tips and Tricks