Authentic South Indian Upma Recipe: A Delicious Breakfast Delight

Upma is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from semolina (also known as rava or sooji). It's a simple and delicious dish that can be customized with various vegetables and spices. Here's a basic recipe for making upma:

Ingredients:

1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
1/2-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup diced carrots
1/4 cup chopped beans
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
8-10 curry leaves
2 1/2 cups water
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Dry roast the semolina (rava) in a pan over medium heat until it turns light golden brown. Stir constantly to ensure even roasting and prevent burning. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

In the same pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Allow the mustard seeds to splutter and the cumin seeds to sizzle.

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

Now, add the diced vegetables (peas, carrots, beans) to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Pour the water into the pan and season with salt. Allow the water to come to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, and gradually add the roasted semolina (rava) to the pan while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Be cautious, as the mixture might splutter.

Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients and ensure there are no lumps. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 5 minutes or until the upma is fully cooked.

Once the upma is cooked and has reached a smooth, porridge-like consistency, turn off the heat.

Garnish the upma with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot upma with coconut chutney, pickle, or a squeeze of lemon juice, as per your preference.

Enjoy your homemade upma for a delicious and comforting breakfast!