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Simple Rava Upma

A delicious and quick South Indian dish made from semolina, packed with flavorful spices and herbs, ideal for breakfast or a light meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Light Meal
Cuisine: Indian, South Indian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup Semolina (Rava/Sooji)
  • 1.5 tablespoon Oil/Ghee Use ghee for more flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 piece Red Chilli
  • 0.5 teaspoon Urad Dal
  • 0.5 teaspoon Chana Dal
  • 10 pieces Cashews
  • 1 whole Onion (chopped)
  • 1 inch piece Ginger (finely chopped or grated)
  • few Curry Leaves
  • 1-2 pieces Green Chillies (finely chopped) Adjust according to spiciness preference
  • 2.5 cups Water
  • to taste Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ghee (for finishing) Optional
  • to garnish Coriander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Roast the semolina over medium heat, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly golden, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer it to another bowl.
  2. In the same pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilli, urad dal, chana dal, and cashews. Let the mustard seeds pop and the lentils turn light brown.
  3. Add the chopped ginger, green chillies, curry leaves, and chopped onion. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions are soft.
  4. Pour in 2.5 cups of water and add salt to taste. Stir well.
  5. When the water starts boiling, gradually add the roasted semolina, stirring continuously with a spatula to prevent lumps.
  6. Cover the pan and lower the heat, letting it steam for 2 minutes.
  7. After 2 minutes, remove the lid and stir in 1 teaspoon of ghee, if using. Turn off the heat and garnish with coriander.
  8. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh coriander. Pairs well with coconut chutney or pickles. For vegan option, substitute ghee with oil.