Healthy Bites for the Lazy Soul: Bread Upma

This is for all the good people who agree with me on how not yummm-tasting at all the crust/edges of the bread slices are - regular store-bought bread, at least!  And I hate the end pieces in the loaf too..always leave those for my husband :D

I recently read somewhere, however, that the crust is very rich in antioxidants and is really healthy.  Why am I not surprised...it's not very tasty - obviously had to be healthy!  I still want to trim the edges off for sandwiches, so here's my compromise - trim the edges BEFORE you make the sandwiches.  Store the cut pieces in an airtight container in the fridge.  Use it to make bread "upma" :D :D

Important Disclaimer:  White bread tastes wayy better than the browner versions.  I am using crusts trimmed away from wholewheat bread - which score the lowest on my personal taste rankings :D Use bread slices, or even white bread crusts, to make this and this will taste much better.  This is NOT a superyummy, yummy, great tasting recipe.  Its just a way to use up/eat healthier portions of the bread which I would otherwise be throwing away.  Oh and I don't cook very well, so please don't roll eyes at my recipe...in real life I would just chop up stuff and throw it all together in the pan.  I just tried to make it look decent here :D

You will need:

Crust from 4 slices of bread +1 slice bread from the end (the brown crust one) - chop this into cubes roughly.  If using bread slices, I guess around 3 slices of bread.  Don't use fresh, soft bread for this EVER.
One small onion - finely or not so finely chopped :D
A few curry leaves - optional, if you don't have it or are clueless as to what it is.
Mustard seeds/Jeera seeds - 1/2 tsp - Don't have these...err...ok skip
Green chili - 1 (I am a baby, I use one, adjust to your taste) - finely chopped or if you are a baby slit lengthwise, is easier to fish out.
Corriander leaves - chopped fine - garnish - again optional
Salt to taste.
Cashews/peanuts - if you want it to look pretty or need to make your hubby feel you made something special (?)
Potato - 1 medium potato - boiled, cut into cubes - I just rough chop/mash and add.
Yogurt - 2 tablespoons

A note on the optionals:  You put these in, the "upma" tastes better.  The more ingredients you skip, the closer you are getting to just eating stale bread and boiled potato.

Method:

• Heat a bit of oil in a skillet/kadai/some vessel - no, not a tawa.
• When oil gets a bit hot, add mustard/jeera seeds (if using) - wait for this to go cackle-crackle-sizzle-sputter - shouldn't take much time.
• Add green chili, cashew/peanut if using, and curry leaves (if using).
• Saute a bit, and add onions.  Saute for about 3 min, until they go a bit pinkish and translucent.
• Add the boiled potato, salt to taste, and saute a bit..maybe 5 min.
• Add the bread pieces, add curd, mix it all up quickly.  Take care not to let the bread get soggy.  Cover and keep on medium heat for about 5 min.
• Take the lid/cover off, mix again, add corriander for garnish if you want to.

 

Oh and you really should add a bit of turmeric if you do not
want an ugly mess like this one.

That's it.  Done.  Eat. :D :D  Hope it turns out okay if you do decided to give this a try :D :D :D :D