Upma

Also known as a savory porridge made with semolina.

Similarly to Idli, Upma is a south Indian staple food. It's commonly served as a simple meal that fills your stomach to start your day. I have always liked to make upma with not only onions but also a few other vegetables, as again I try to encourage my children to eat some veggies.

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Serves 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of coarse upma rava (semolina)

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions

• If you would like to make vegetable upma, 1 cup of mixed vegetables including grated carrot, chopped tomatoes, and green beans or green peas.

• 3 finely chopped green chilies

• 1 inch finely chopped ginger

• 1/2 lemon squeezed if not adding mixed vegetables

• a sprig of curry leaves

• 1/4 cup of oil of choice

• 1/2 tsp of channa dal (bengal gram)

• 1/2 tsp of urad daal (black gram)

• 1/2 tsp of jeera (cumin seeds)

• 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds.

• salt to taste

Method:

1. Dry roast upma rava until it emits an aroma without browning.

2. Heat oil and fry all the dry seasonings until golden brown.

3. Add onions along with vegetables if used and sauté for a minute.

4. Add chopped green chili, ginger and curry leaves and fry for 2 minutes.

5. Add 2 cups of water and let it roll boil.

6. Add salt according to your taste.

7. Carefully add upma rava while stirring.

8. Shut off the stove when upma comes together and no water is left.

9. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving with a splash of lemon juice.