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Upma Thali

Published: Apr 2, 2025 · Modified: Apr 20, 2025 by admin · This post may contain affiliate links · Nutrition values are estimates only. Leave a Comment

Looking for a flavorful and nutritious way to kickstart your day? The Upma Thali is your answer! This traditional South Indian platter combines the comforting warmth of Upma with a variety of healthy and delicious sides. It's a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, designed to keep you energized and satisfied. If you're searching for a healthy Indian breakfast, this Upma Thali recipe is a must-try.

Traditional South Indian upma thali served on a banana leaf with fluffy upma, peanut chutney, egg bhurji, and boiled edamame, showcasing a balanced and nutritious meal with vibrant colors and variety.
Jump to:
  • Customize Your Balanced Upma Thali
  • Ready to Enjoy a Balanced Upma Thali?
  • Total Nutritional Value of Tomato Pappu Thali
  • Other Thalis
  • More Side Dishes

While traditional upma is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, on its own, it might not check every nutritional box for a truly balanced meal. That’s where our thoughtful sides come into play! In this Upma Thali, we’ve paired it with protein-rich edamame, creamy peanut chutney, and a hearty egg bhurji—each one adding a unique boost in flavor and nutrition.

Traditional Upma
1 cup (120 g)
Calories 120kcal
Protien 4g
Fiber 3g
Fat 4g
Carbs 19g
Recipe
Fluffy South Indian upma served in a bowl, made with semolina (rava), vegetables, and aromatic spices, ready to eat on a wooden table.
Peanut Chutney
2 tablespoon
Calories 126kcal
Protien 6g
Fiber 2g
Fat 10g
Carbs 5g
Recipe
Overhead view of traditional South Indian peanut chutney in a ceramic bowl, highlighting its creamy texture and vibrant color
Boiled Edamame
1 cup (85 g)
Calories 90kcal
Protien 10g
Fiber 10g
Fat 4g
Carbs 6g
Recipe
Boiled edamame served in a bowl on a wooden table
Egg Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Eggs)
1 cup (128g)
Calories 222kcal
Protien 13g
Fiber 4g
Fat 14g
Carbs 11g
Recipe
Finished egg bhurji served in a bowl on a wooden table

Get ready to experience the Traditional Upma Thali: Balanced with Edamame, Peanut Chutney & Egg Bhurji – proof that even your go-to South Indian breakfast can evolve into a well-rounded, powerhouse meal.

In this Upma Thali, we directly address this balance by introducing:

  • Protein from Eggs & Edamame: We’ve added fluffy, spiced Egg Bhurji and a generous serving of boiled Edamame. Together, they pack a serious protein punch, complementing the upma while keeping you full and fueled.
  • Fiber from Edamame: Edamame brings a hefty dose of fiber, supporting digestion and keeping things moving (literally).
  • Healthy Fats from Peanut Chutney: Our creamy Peanut Chutney isn’t just delicious. It delivers healthy fats, fiber, and plant based protein, rounding out the thali with a satisfying and nutrient dense touch.

Traditional Upma: The Heart of the Thali

At the core of this Thali is the classic Upma. This savory semolina dish is a staple in South Indian households, known for its light and fluffy texture. It's a great source of carbohydrates and fiber, providing sustained energy throughout the morning. This traditional upma recipe is easy to make and versatile.

  • Nutrition in Context: Traditional Upma provides a base of protein, of fiber. However, to make this a truly balanced thali, we recognize the need for additional protein and fiber.

Peanut Chutney: A Nutty Delight

Adding a burst of flavor and a dose of healthy fats is the peanut chutney. This creamy and nutty condiment complements the Upma perfectly, adding a rich and satisfying element to the meal. It is a great source of protein as well.

Boiled Edamam: Green Goodness

For a boost of protein and fiber, we have the boiled edamame. These vibrant green soybeans are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a satisfying crunch and a wealth of health benefits. They are also low in carbs and high in fiber.

Egg Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Eggs): Protein Packed

Adding a rich protein component is the Egg Bhurji, also known as Indian scrambled eggs. This flavorful dish combines eggs with aromatic spices, creating a delicious and satisfying side. It is a great way to start your day with healthy protein.

Customize Your Balanced Upma Thali

Remember, you can adapt this upma Thali to your own needs:

  • Edamame Swap: You can swap for Chickpeas, Sprouts, Peanut Sunda
  • Eggs Swap: Tofu Bhurji, Spiced Tempeh Crumble, Chickpea Flour omelette
  • Peanut Chutney Swap: Coconut Chutney, Carrot Chutney, Broccoli Chutney and even more

Ready to Enjoy a Balanced Upma Thali?

We encourage you to try creating this balanced Upma Thali at home! It's a delicious and fulfilling way to enjoy South Indian cuisine while prioritizing nutrition.

Save Recipes

Stay tuned for more balanced and flavorful South Indian Thalis in our 100 Thalis series! 

Total Nutritional Value of Tomato Pappu Thali

This Tomato Pappu Thali contains white rice, tomato pappu, oven-baked chicken things, mushroom fry, and yogurt.

Here is the breakdown of one serving of thisTomato Pappu Thali that is balanced with veggies, protein, and carbs.

Recipe NameCaloriesProtein (g)Fiber (g)Fat (g)Carbs (g)
Traditional Upma12043419
Peanut Chutney12662105
Boiled Edamame90101046
Egg Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Eggs)2221341411
Total 558 33 19 32 41

Use this collection to modify servings or mix and match with other side dishes to create your own chicken thali.

Save Collection

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  • Balanced Thali with white rice, flavorful Ulavacharu Rasam, protein-rich omelet, & crisp salad on a plate.
    Ulavacharu Rasam & Egg Thali
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    Shrimp Fry & Horsegram Thali
  • Delicious and Nutritious South Indian Tomato Pappu Thali featuring Tomato Pappu, White Rice, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs, Mushroom Fry, and Homemade Yogurt.
    Tomato Pappu Thali: Balanced with Chicken & Mushrooms
  • Balanced chicken curry thali with rice, spinach, cucumber carrot salad, and yogurt - nutritionally complete Indian meal
    How to Make the Perfect Chicken Curry Thali: A Complete Indian Meal Guide

More Side Dishes

  • A serving of hot Methi Paneer Stir Fry in a bowl, garnished and ready to be enjoyed, showcasing the finished dish.
    Methi Paneer Stir Fry
  • Freshly made chili egg omelette served on a plate, golden brown and ready to eat
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Thali Method Author

Welcome!

I'm on a mission to bring balance back to our plates, one delicious Indian meal at a time. ThaliMethod is my way of shaking up how we think about our kitchens and our food. We're not about restrictive diets; we're about smart portions and celebrating the incredible variety of Indian cuisine. Join me, and let's redefine what a 'balanced meal' really looks like.

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