πŸ…πŸ₯£βœ¨ Tomato Semiya

(Tomato Vermicelli Upma)

Soft vermicelli simmered with tomatoes, spices & herbs for a warm, tangy tiffin

Spice Level: 🌢️🌢️
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Serves: 3–4
Calories (approx): ~200 kcal per serving

πŸ”” Tiffin & Temple Bells

🌿 Introduction

Tomato Semiya is comfort in a bowl β€” warm, tangy, gently spiced vermicelli cooked
with ripe tomatoes, onions, chilies, and herbs.
It’s a cozy, colorful breakfast that brings together the brightness of tomatoes
and the softness of semiya in perfect balance.

β€œA warm bowl of tangy comfort, colored by tomatoes and stirred with morning calm.”

Tomato Semiya

(Tomato Vermicelli Upma)

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

For the Semiya

  • 1 cup roasted semiya (vermicelli)

  • 2 cups water

  • Salt to taste

For the Tomato Masala

  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds

  • 1 tsp urad dal

  • 1 tsp chana dal

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

  • 1–2 green chilies, slit

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

  • Β½ tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp red chili powder (optional, for color)

  • 1 tsp sambar powder (optional, for depth)

  • Curry leaves

  • Fresh coriander

🍽️ Instructions

  • Cook the Semiya – Boil water with salt. Add semiya and cook until soft. Drain if needed; set aside.

  • Prepare the Tempering – Heat oil; add mustard, urad dal, chana dal, chilies, and curry leaves.

  • SautΓ© Aromatics – Add onions and ginger; cook until soft.

  • Cook the Tomatoes – Add tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, and optional sambar powder. Cook until mushy and saucy.

  • Combine – Add the cooked semiya and toss gently to coat.

  • Finish – Garnish with coriander and a drizzle of ghee if desired.

  • Serve Hot – Best enjoyed warm.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Serve with coconut chutney, tomato chutney, or plain yogurt to balance the gentle spice.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

Tomato Semiya carries the warmth of home β€” simple ingredients transformed into a cozy, tangy bowl that feels like a quiet morning hug.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: Use well-roasted semiya to avoid sticking or clumping.

  • Let tomatoes cook fully until saucy for best flavor.

  • Add a pinch of sugar to balance tanginess.

  • A spoon of ghee at the end enhances aroma.

  • Add veggies like peas or carrots for a heartier version.

πŸ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving β€” Approx.)

  • Calories 200

  • Protein 4g

  • Carbs 32g

  • Fat 6g

  • Fiber 2g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

Warm, tangy, colorful, and comforting β€” Tomato Semiya is a soothing South Indian tiffin that brightens any meal.

🧑 Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty – Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, I’m Maya Shetty β€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

πŸ’¬ I’d Love to Hear From You!

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Share your thoughts using the form below β€” I read every message.

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