Uppit, also known as Upma, is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from semolina (rava) and seasoned with a variety of spices and vegetables. This simple yet flavorful dish is quick to prepare and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Follow this authentic Uppit recipe to recreate the taste of South India in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
1 cup semolina (rava)
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon urad dal (split black lentils)
1 tablespoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
1 sprig curry leaves
1/4 cup green peas
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
2 cups water
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Lemon wedges (optional)
Method to make Upma
Dry Roasting the Semolina:
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the semolina (rava).
Dry roast the semolina for 3-4 minutes or until it turns light golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to prevent burning.
Remove the roasted semolina from the pan and set it aside.
Tempering the Seasonings:
In the same pan, heat ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
Add finely chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
Adding Vegetables and Water:
Add green peas and finely chopped carrots to the pan. Stir well.
Pour in 2 cups of water and season with salt according to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the vegetables are cooked.
Cooking the Uppit:
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the roasted semolina to the pan while continuously stirring. Make sure there are no lumps.
Mix well and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the Uppit to cook on low heat for 4-5 minutes, or until the semolina absorbs all the water and becomes fluffy.
Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom.
Serving:
Once the Uppit is cooked, turn off the heat.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot Uppit with a side of coconut chutney or lemon wedges for a tangy twist.
Tips:
You can customize the Uppit by adding vegetables of your choice such as bell peppers, green beans, or tomatoes.
For added flavor, you can roast the semolina in ghee instead of dry roasting.
Adjust the consistency of Uppit by adding more or less water according to your preference.
