Flavorful Vegetable Upma Recipe
Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we're going to explore the wonderful world of South Indian cuisine with a delicious and nutritious dish - Vegetable Upma. Upma is a traditional breakfast favorite in South India known for its simplicity and versatility. Made from semolina (also known as rava or sooji) and an assortment of vegetables, this dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this vegetable upma recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire.
Flavorful Vegetable Upma Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Upma Base:
- 1 cup of semolina (sooji or rava)
- 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon of chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups of water
For the Vegetable Mix:
- 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen green peas
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced (optional)
- Ghee or oil for garnishing (optional)
Instructions:
1. Roasting Semolina:
- Heat a pan on medium heat and add the semolina (sooji). Roast it, stirring constantly, until it turns slightly golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Transfer the roasted semolina to a plate and set it aside.
2. Preparing the Upma Base:
- In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil.
- Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and chana dal. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Toss in the curry leaves, chopped green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute.
- Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Season with salt and mix well.
3. Making the Vegetable Mix:
- Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables and green peas to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle a pinch of asafoetida, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix the spices evenly with the vegetables.
4. Cooking the Upma:
- Pour in 3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Gradually add the roasted semolina to the boiling water while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the upma becomes thick and the semolina is cooked through.
5. Garnishing and Serving:
- Add fresh coriander leaves and drizzle lemon juice over the upma. Mix well.
- You can garnish with a spoonful of ghee or a dash of oil for added flavor.
6. Serving Suggestions:
- Vegetable Upma can be served hot on its own or with a side of coconut chutney, pickle, or yogurt for a complete South Indian breakfast experience.
Customization Tips:
- You can customize the choice of vegetables based on your preferences or what's available.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies and red chili powder.
- For a vegan version, use vegetable oil instead of ghee.
Vegetable Upma is a delightful South Indian breakfast option that combines the goodness of vegetables with the aromatic flavors of spices. This versatile dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable, making it suitable for various taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast staple or a satisfying brunch, Vegetable Upma is a wholesome and comforting choice that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So, don your chef's hat and give this recipe a try to experience the authentic flavors of South India in your own kitchen!
For more recipes go to the "Dish Discover" blog at https://dishdiscover.blogspot.com/
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