Upma
Traditional upma made with sooji (rava), onions, green chilies, and ghee. A healthy, quick, and vegetarian Indian breakfast recipe perfect for everyday cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (rava / sooji)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 green chilies, sliced
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- ¼ cup carrots or mixed vegetables (optional, finely chopped)
- 2½ cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- Lemon wedge (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Dry Roast The Semolina
- Heat a pan and add the semolina.
- Roast on medium heat until it smells nutty and turns slightly golden.
- Remove and set aside.
Prepare The Tempering
- In the same pan, heat oil or ghee.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and chana dal, and fry until lightly golden.
- Add chopped onion, green chili, curry leaves, and ginger.
- Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add Vegetables (Optional)
- Add carrots or any vegetables you like.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly soft.
Add Water And Simmer
- Pour in the water and add salt to taste.
- Bring it to a gentle boil.
Cook The Upma
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually add the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes soft.
Finish And Serve
- Turn off the heat.
- Cover and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
- Squeeze a bit of lemon juice before serving, if desired.