What is Upma?

Upma is a popular South Indian dish made from semolina (also known as sooji or rava). It is a quick-to-make dish that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or light meal. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji or rava)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1/2 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup green peas
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped 
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 3-4 curry leaves (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Roasting Semolina/ Rava/ Sooji

• Heat a pan on medium heat and dry roast semolina until it becomes slightly golden. Stir continuously to avoid burning. Once done, set it aside. ( You can also use ready made roasted sooji/ rava and avoid this step)

Step 2: Preparing Vegetables

• In the same pan, heat ghee or oil.
• Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
• Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Adding Vegetables

• Add chopped carrots, green peas and Saute for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Step 4: Cooking Upma

• Lower the heat and gradually add the roasted sooji/ rava to the pan while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
• Mix well to coat the semolina with the vegetables.

Step 5: Add Water and Spices

• Boil 3 cups of water separately.
• Slowly add the boiling water to the semolina mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt to taste.
• Cover the pan and simmer on low heat until the upma is cooked and reaches consistency. Stir occasionally.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot upma with pickle or peanut powder

Enjoy Upma, a classic South Indian comfort & healthy dish!