How to Prepare Upma: A Classic South Indian Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped beans
- 2.5 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- A handful of roasted cashew nuts (optional)
- NE CRAFTERS Bhut Jolokia Chilli Oil (for enhancing the flavor)
Instructions:
- Roast the Semolina/Sooji:
- Heat a pan on medium flame and dry roast the semolina until it turns slightly golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning. Once roasted, transfer the Rawa/Sooji/Semolina to a plate and set it aside.
- Prepare the Tempering:
- In the same pan, heat the ghee or oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the Urad dal and Chana dal, and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
- Next, add the grated ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until the aroma releases.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the chopped carrots, green peas, and beans. Cook the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they become slightly tender.
- Add Water:
- Pour in the water and add salt to taste. Stir well and bring the water to a boil.
- Cook the Upma:
- Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the roasted semolina while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring the mixture until it thickens and absorbs all the water.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the upma cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the semolina to fully cook and soften.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Once the upma is done, turn off the heat. Fluff it up using a fork to break any lumps.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and roasted cashew nuts if using.
- Enhance the Flavor with NE CRAFTERS Bhut Jolokia Chilli Oil:
- For an added kick of flavor, drizzle a few drops of NE CRAFTERS Bhut Jolokia Chilli Oil over the upma before serving. This will elevate the dish with a smoky, spicy twist, making it a unique fusion of traditional and modern flavors.
Serving Suggestion:
- Serve the upma hot, accompanied by coconut chutney or a side of yogurt for a complete and satisfying breakfast.
- -NE CRAFTERS
