Delicious South Indian Rava Upma
Upma is a popular South Indian dish that is commonly consumed for breakfast or as a snack. It is known for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina also known as rava or sooji
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon urad dal split black gram - optional
- 1/2 teaspoon chana dal split chickpeas - optional
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped mixed vegetables carrots, peas, green beans, etc.
- 2-3 green chilies finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger grated
- A pinch of asafoetida hing - optional
- 8-10 curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving optional
Instructions
- Dry roast the semolina: Heat a dry, heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add the semolina and roast it for about 4-5 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Remove the roasted semolina from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
- Add the urad dal, chana dal, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute or two until the dals turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and mixed vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender.
- Pour in the 2 cups of water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil.
- Gradually add the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the upma simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more hot water and stir.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Enjoy your homemade upma as a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack. You can also customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste.
- Overall, upma can be a healthy and balanced part of a diet, especially when paired with a variety of colorful vegetables for added nutrients.