Quick and Tasty Upma

“Quick and Tasty Upma” is a classic South Indian breakfast dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare. Made from roasted semolina (rava), it is cooked with aromatic spices, onions, curry leaves, and a hint of mustard seeds, creating a light, fluffy texture that’s full of flavor.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 small potato, peeled and finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon urad dal (optional)
1 teaspoon chana dal (optional)
8-10 curry leaves
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
3 cups water
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Cashew nuts or peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1 Roast the Semolina:

Heat the semolina over medium heat in a dry skillet until it turns light brown and smells nutty. Stir continuously to avoid burning. Set aside.

Step 2 Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the onions, carrot, potato, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
If using frozen peas, rinse them with warm water to thaw.

Step 3 Tempering:

In a visage over medium heat, preheat the oil painting or ghee.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add urad dal and chana dal (if using) and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add the green chiles and curry leaves, and sauté for a little moment.

Step 4 Cook the Vegetables:

When the onions are transparent, add the chopped onions and sauté.
Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and green peas. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5 Add Water and Spices:

Fill the pan with three cups of water, then bring it to a boil.
Add turmeric powder and salt to taste.
Allow the water to rapidly boil.

Step 6 Cook the Upma:

To prevent lumps, gradually add the toasted semolina to the boiling water while stirring constantly.
Cover the pan and lower the heat to a low level.
Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the semolina absorbs the water and becomes soft.

Step 7 Finish and Garnish:

Turn off the heat.
If using, add the lemon juice and thoroughly mix.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and roasted cashew nuts or peanuts (if using).
Using a fork, separate the grains in the upma.

Read More