Upma Recipe: Quick & Healthy South Indian Semolina Breakfast

Ingredients

• 1 cup Rava / Sooji (Semolina), medium grain
• 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee
• 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds (Rai)
• 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
• 1/4 cup Peanuts (optional)
• 10-12 Curry Leaves
• 1 Green Chili, slit or finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 inch Ginger, grated or finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, beans), finely chopped
• 2.5 cups Water (or vegetable broth)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp Sugar (optional, for balance)
• Juice of 1/2 Lemon
• 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Roast the Semolina: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on medium-low heat. Add the rava and dry roast it for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until it turns fragrant and light golden. Do not let it brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. 2

   Prepare the Tempering: In the same pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, peanuts (if using), urad dal (if using) and chana dal (if using), frying until they turn golden.

3. 3

   Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add curry leaves, green chili, grated ginger, and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until the onion turns translucent. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp.

4. 4

   Add Water and Seasoning: Pour 2.5 cups of water into the pan. Add salt to taste and sugar (if using). Bring the water to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low.

5. 5

   Incorporate Semolina: While continuously stirring with one hand, slowly add the roasted semolina to the boiling water with the other hand. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will start to thicken.

6. 6

   Cook and Finish: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on very low heat for 5-7 minutes. This allows the semolina to absorb the water fully and cook through. Do not lift the lid during this time. Once done, remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in the lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves.

7. 7

   Serve Hot: Serve the hot, fluffy Upma immediately. You can optionally garnish with a sprinkle of grated coconut or more fresh coriander. Enjoy!