Rava Upma Recipe: Quick, Simple, Delicious Indian Breakfast

Ingredients for Rava Upma

Before diving into the preparation steps, let’s first gather all the necessary ingredients for Rava Upma. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of Rava (Semolina)
• 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, diced
• ¼ cup of peas
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt or to taste
• A handful of coriander leaves for garnish
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of grated coconut (optional)

Preparation of Rava Upma

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making Rava Upma:

1. Roasting the Semolina (Rava)

- Dry Roast: Start by heating a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the rava (semolina) and dry roast it until you get a light golden color and a pleasant aroma. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Roasting the rava is key because it helps to enhance the flavor and ensure the upma doesn't stick together when cooked.

🔥 Note: Keep stirring continuously to prevent the rava from burning.

2. Tempering and Sautéing

- Heat Oil/Ghee: In the same pan or a different one, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee. - Add Spices: Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Stir briefly to release their flavors. - Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent. - Add Vegetables: Now, add diced carrot and peas. Cook them for a couple of minutes to soften slightly.

3. Cooking the Rava Upma

- Boil Water: While the vegetables cook, in a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. This should be the exact amount needed to cook the rava. - Combine: Add the roasted rava to the vegetable mix, stirring well to mix everything. - Add Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming. The water will bubble up as it mixes with the hot rava. - Cook: Lower the heat and let the upma cook, covered, for about 3-5 minutes. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit more water.

🌾 Note: The rava will absorb the water and swell. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom.

- Finish: Once the rava is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in salt to taste, the optional lemon juice, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. If you like, a sprinkle of grated coconut can add a lovely touch.

4. Serving Suggestions

Rava Upma can be enjoyed as a fulfilling breakfast or a light dinner:

• Serve hot, directly from the pan.
• Accompany with coconut chutney, lemon wedges, or pickle for an authentic taste.
• Consider serving with a side of yogurt to balance the spices.

Throughout this recipe, you can customize Rava Upma by adding or substituting different vegetables or even nuts like cashews or peanuts for added texture and flavor.

At the end of this culinary journey, you’ll have a steaming plate of Rava Upma, a delightful and healthy Indian breakfast dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The nutty aroma from the roasted semolina, combined with the subtle spices and vegetables, makes it a favorite comfort food for many. This dish is not just about nourishment; it’s also about the warmth and homeliness that food can bring into our lives.