Upma is a traditional Indian dish that is mainly served for breakfast. Upma is widespread throughout the Indian subcontinent, with regional variations in the flavors and vegetables that make up the dish. This savory appetizer has its origins in the southern Indian states: Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The following is the authentic version, based on Tamil Nadu traditions, of this simple and delicious dish, and it will stimulate your passion for ethnic dishes to try cooking in the comfort of your home!
Ingrediants
- 2 cups suji semolina (coarse-grained semolina, available at ethnic grocery stores)
- 1 carrot cut into small pieces
- 1 medium-sized white onion, finely chopped
- 3 green chillies
- ½ cup of frozen peas
- ½ cup of frozen green beans, cut into small pieces
- 5-6 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- a piece of fresh ginger about 1.5 cm thick, peeled and cut into small pieces
- ½ teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 6-8 curry leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Salt to taste.
- 4 cups of water
- Sugar grains (optional)
Steps
Step 1. Pour the suji semolina into a large metal pan, or wok
Step 2. Put on the stove over medium heat
Step 3. Continue toasting the suji for 5-10 minutes
Stir constantly to keep it from sticking. Stop cooking before the suji changes color.
Step 4. Turn off the heat and set the suji aside
Step 5. Heat the oil in a second skillet, or wok, over medium-high heat
Step 6. When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves
Step 7. Wait until the mustard seeds start popping
Step 8. Add the onion and ginger, and continue cooking until the onion turns transparent
Step 9. Add the carrot, green beans and peas, and sauté for 5-10 minutes
Step 10. Cut the 3 green chillies in half lengthwise
Add them to the vegetable mix. Mix it well
Step 11. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste, and mix well
Step 12. Add the 4 cups of water and bring to a boil
Step 13. SLOWLY add the toasted suji to the boiling water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps
Step 14. Add the chopped coriander leaves and stir while continuing to cook over low heat, until the suji and vegetables blend well
Step 15. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes
Step 16. Turn off the heat, and serve hot
Advice
- Most of the products can be found in regular grocery stores. You can buy suji semolina, mustard seeds, coriander leaves and turmeric powder in Indian grocery stores, to guarantee the authenticity of the flavors necessary for the success of the dish. You can find mustard seeds, coriander leaves and turmeric powder in the spice department, while you find suji semolina in the lentil department (ask for assistance if necessary!).
- Upma is a simple and easy to prepare dish, perfect for beginners. The flavors are not overly intense, which makes it ideal for those approaching Indian cuisine for the first time. The authenticity of the dish will encourage you to explore this cuisine, and will disavow the cliché that Indian cuisine can only be enjoyed in restaurants. You can also tweak or tweak this simple recipe to your taste, and let your creativity run wild in the kitchen.
- If you want, you can sprinkle the upma with sugar grains before serving.
