A wholesome South Indian breakfast made with roasted semolina, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Light, fluffy, and quick to prepare—perfect for busy weekdays or a satisfying tiffin.
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Adapted from a video by HomeCookingShow
Rava Upma | Healthy Breakfast in 20 Minutes | Vegetable Upma That Tastes Like a Restaurant Dish
MilkOptional; can be replaced with 1 cup water if preferred¼ cups
Ghee2 tsp for roasting semolina, 2 tsp for roasting nuts, 1 tbsp for finishing3 tbsp
Oil1 tbsp
Urad dal1 tsp
Chana dal1 tsp
Mustard seeds1 tsp
Cumin seeds1 tsp
OnionLarge, finely chopped
1
Green chilliFinely chopped2
GingerA piece, finely chopped~1 tbspest.
Curry leavesFresh, a few~8-10est.
Green beansChopped1 cup
CarrotChopped1 cup
Green peasFresh or frozen1 cup
Salt1 tsp
LemonJuice of half½
Coriander leavesFresh, chopped, a handful~2 tbspest.
PeanutsWith skin, for garnish~¼ cupsest.
Cashew nutsFor garnish~¼ cupsest.
Steps
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1
In a wide pan, add 2 tsp ghee and 1 cup (250 ml) of coarse semolina. Toast over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it becomes dry and grainy with a nice texture.
2
Transfer the toasted semolina to a plate to cool. In a small pan, add 2 tsp ghee and roast the peanuts to a rich brown color, then add cashew nuts and roast together. Set aside to cool.
3
In a large pan, add 1 tbsp oil, then 1 tsp each of urad dal and chana dal. Toast until slightly colored, then add 1 tsp each of mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait for the mustard seeds to begin sputtering.
4
Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute. Then add 2 finely chopped green chillies, a piece of finely chopped ginger, and a few curry leaves. Mix gently.
5
Add 1 cup chopped green beans, 1 cup chopped carrot, and 1 cup fresh green peas. Mix with the onions, season with 1 tsp salt, cover the pan, reduce to low heat, and cook for about 2 minutes until vegetables are partially cooked.
6
Add 2 cups water and 1/4 cup milk (or 1 cup water if skipping milk). Cover and bring to a boil.
7
Once the water comes to a boil, gradually add the toasted semolina little by little, stirring constantly. Keep the flame on low and allow the semolina to absorb all the liquid.
8
Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes until the semolina is fully cooked and fluffy.
9
Gently stir the upma and check that it has a light, fluffy consistency. Add 1 tbsp ghee, squeeze juice from half a lemon, sprinkle with a handful of fresh chopped coriander leaves, and mix gently on low heat.
10
Top with the roasted peanuts and cashew nuts for garnish to keep them crispy. Serve hot immediately.