Upma

Upma (South Indian dish)

Upma is a traditional South Indian dish made from semolina (sooji) and is often served for breakfast. Here's a basic recipe for making upma:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram lentils)

- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpea lentils)

- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

- 1/2-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, etc.)

- 10-12 curry leaves

- 2 1/2 cups water

- Salt to taste

- Freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

- Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the semolina in a pan over low to medium heat until it becomes fragrant and slightly changes color. Remove and set it aside.

2. In the same pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.

3. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

4. Add urad dal, chana dal, and asafoetida. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.

5. Add green chilies, ginger, chopped onion, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

6. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until they soften slightly.

7. Pour in the water and add salt. Bring it to a boil.

8. Gradually add the roasted semolina while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Lower the heat and keep stirring to ensure the semolina absorbs the water.

9. Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes. The upma should absorb the water and become fluffy.

10. Optionally, you can squeeze some lemon juice over the upma and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

11. Serve the upma hot, either as is or with chutney or pickle.

Upma is a versatile dish, and you can add various vegetables and spices to suit your taste. It's a wholesome and satisfying breakfast option.