Rava Upma

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rava Upma is loved for its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s a flavorful combination of semolina, ghee (or oil), and spices that provides a wonderful balance of textures and tastes. The ingredients can be adjusted based on what’s available in your kitchen, and it’s a perfect option when you’re craving something quick, healthy, and satisfying. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add vegetables like carrots and peas for a nutrition boost, or keep it simple with just onions and mustard seeds for a basic yet delicious meal. The use of ghee provides an extra richness that elevates this dish to comfort food status.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Semolina (rava /sooji)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or Oil
• 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas)
• 1 teaspoon Urad Dal (split husked black lentil)
• 8-10 Cashew Nuts
• 12-14 Curry Leaves
• 2 Green Chilies (slit or chopped)
• 1 Onion (medium size, finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
• Salt To Taste
• 3 tablespoons Green Peas (optional)
• 1 Carrot (optional) (chopped)
• 3 cups Water
• ¾ teaspoon Sugar
• Lemon Juice as needed
• Coriander Leaves for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
2. Add chana dal, urad dal, and cashew nuts. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Toss in the curry leaves, green chilies, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
4. Add grated ginger and sauté for an additional minute.
5. If you’re adding optional vegetables like carrots and peas, stir them in now and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the semolina (rava) to the pan, and roast it on low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until it slightly changes color and releases a nutty aroma.
7. In a separate pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the water to the semolina mixture slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
8. Add salt and sugar to taste, and stir well. Cook the mixture on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the semolina is soft and cooked through.
9. Once cooked, squeeze in some lemon juice and mix gently.
10. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Upma: Add a variety of vegetables like peas, carrots, beans, and even potatoes for a more hearty meal.
• Spicy Upma: Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder for an extra kick.
• Nut-Free Upma: Skip the cashew nuts and use a bit of peanuts or even almonds if desired.
• Vegan Upma: Use oil instead of ghee for a completely plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover upma in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water if the upma has dried out.

FAQs

1. Can I make Rava Upma without ghee?

Yes, you can use oil instead of ghee for a lighter version. Ghee adds richness, but oil is a good alternative for a more neutral flavor.

2. How do I prevent the upma from becoming too dry?

Make sure to add enough water and stir the mixture consistently while cooking. If the upma is dry after cooking, you can add a little extra water and cook for a few more minutes.

3. Can I use roasted semolina (rava)?

Yes, you can use roasted rava to save time, as it reduces the roasting process during cooking.

4. Is Rava Upma gluten-free?

No, Rava Upma is not gluten-free as semolina (rava) contains gluten. You can substitute it with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or quinoa for a gluten-free version.

5. Can I freeze Rava Upma?

It’s not ideal to freeze upma, as the texture can change once thawed. However, you can store it in the fridge for a couple of days.

6. How do I make the upma fluffier?

To make upma fluffier, ensure that you cook the semolina on low heat and gradually add water to prevent lumps. Stir it well to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

7. What can I serve with Rava Upma?

Rava Upma is traditionally served with coconut chutney, sambhar, or even pickle for added flavor.

8. Can I make Rava Upma spicier?

Yes, you can add more green chilies, a pinch of red chili powder, or even some black pepper to spice it up.

9. Can I add different types of lentils to Rava Upma?

Yes, you can experiment with various lentils, such as moong dal or toor dal, for a different flavor profile.

10. How do I prevent lumps in Rava Upma?

To avoid lumps, add the water gradually and stir continuously while cooking. Using warm water instead of cold can also help prevent clumping.

Conclusion

Rava Upma is an easy, delicious, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Its flexibility allows you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a fantastic addition to your kitchen repertoire. Whether you like it plain or with a variety of vegetables and spices, Rava Upma is a dish that never fails to satisfy.

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