Plain Upma

Upma is a quick and common breakfast item originating in the southern part of India. It's preparation involves fusing together a few common ingredients. You may also make it healthier by adding vegetables such as green peas, onions, tomato, corn and/or carrots. However, I like plain upma very much so here I am sharing a plain umma recipe, which I learned from one of my aunt. I like to make upma in ghee, but that is a personal preference. You may use oil.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rava/ semolina/ sooji
• 2 tablespoons oil /ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1-1/2 tablespoon split urad dal
• 5 to 6 curry leaves, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 green chilies, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh green coriander leaves, chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 cups of hot water
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Heat a pan on medium high heat and add oil/ ghee. Then, add mustard seeds. When the seeds crackle, add urad dal, chopped curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.
2. Add the rava and sauté for a few minutes until the color of the rava changes. Add 4 cups of hot water and salt. Mix well and cover with a lid. 
3. Cook on a slow flame for a few minutes while occasionally stirring.
4. Add lemon juice, mix well and cook while stirring continuously for one minute. 
5. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve immediately.