Upma

Delight your taste buds with the warm and wholesome goodness of Upma, a popular South Indian dish known for its comforting flavors and versatility. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step recipe to create the perfect Upma at home. Let's dive into the world of aromatic spices and semolina magic!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (Bengal gram)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Equipment:

• Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai

Step 1: Roasting the Semolina (Rava) Heat the pan over medium heat and add semolina. Roast it until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Transfer the roasted semolina to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Tempering the Spices In the same pan, heat ghee or oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal, chana dal, and asafoetida. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown. Add curry leaves for a burst of flavor.

Step 3: Sautéing Vegetables Add chopped onions, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become translucent. Introduce chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies are slightly tender.

Step 4: Cooking the Upma Pour water into the pan, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, gradually add the roasted semolina, and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cover and let it simmer until the Upma reaches a porridge-like consistency.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving Once the Upma is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Master the art of making delicious and wholesome Upma with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a comforting evening snack, Upma is a versatile dish that brings the soul-satisfying flavors of South India to your table.