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    Home » Breakfast

    Published: Jun 13, 2017 · Modified: Mar 10, 2022 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

    Rava Upma

    Blogging Marathon #77 Week 2 Day 3

    Theme: Weekday Lunch Recipes

    Dish: Rava Upma


    An easy to make, quick and super delicious recipe for Upma. This Semolina Pudding is awesome for breakfast or quick lunch! 


    Upma, a combination of semolina, onions and spices is a really popular breakfast dish in many parts of India. There are many variations to it, each part of the country having it's own version. 


    The simplest form has just the basic ingredients mentioned above. The other version has yogurt in it, and some have vegetables. I have had a yellow version of Upma too and it is equally delicious. 


    Some like their upma in the morning with tea or coffee. Some for weekend brunch and some like me think of it as a quick packable lunch option. I generally pack roti and sabji for lunch. However, sometimes I am pressed for time or just bored of the regular lunch. That is when I turn to this dish for packing off to work. 


    Another variation of this dish is to make moong dal dosa and stuff it with upma. This famous combination of Pesarattu Upma is something that I was introduced to at a local Indian restaurant, and I have loved it since! 


    For the longest time I was never happy with the way my Upma turned out. That is the reason it took almost three years to make it's  way to the blog. I have grown up seeing my grandmother, mother and aunt whip up a plate of upma in a matter of minutes. However, the perfect proportions of ingredients always seemed to elude me. 


    Sometimes my upma would be rock solid, sometimes flowy. I seemed to blame a ton of things that kept me from getting it right. Finally after multiple permutations and combinations, I concluded that this recipe works for me! Now, with this recipe, I can see why they say Upma and Poha are the easiest recipes for busy mornings! 


    Last time I made this upma, I was sure it was the BEST I have made. So I took time and shot it. When Valli announced the theme as healthy lunch recipes for this week's Blogging Marathon, I decided to include this recipe. 


    Breakfast or Lunch? 

    Make Upma for breakfast or lunch, it works well for both. I even make it for weekend dinner sometimes. If we have had an elaborate lunch, we prefer to have just Upma and tea for dinner. It works perfectly and with the combination of tea, you cannot go wrong! 


    Besides, it is easy to make the previous night and pack it right away. Then all you need to do the next day is pick up your lunch box and off to school or work! It does not change it's texture much when refrigerated in an airtight container. 




    Variations



    If you would prefer a yogurt less version of Upma, just skip the yogurt bit. Instead add just water. It works well too.


    If you would like a vegetable version of this, boil carrots, peas, french beans and corn in the microwave for 3-4 minutes. Drain and add them after the onions. It not only makes the Upma healthy, it makes it tasty and filling as well. And of course, colorful! 



    Hope you enjoy this recipe and come back for more! Don't forget to follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest! 


    Ingredients


    Rava/ Semolina 1 cup

    Onion 1 medium, diced

    Ginger ½ inch, grated

    Cashew nuts 2-3

    Green/Red Chilli 1 minced

    Mustard Seeds 1 tsp

    Asafoetida a pinch

    Cumin Seeds 1 tsp

    Curry Leaves 2-3

    Urad Dal 1 tsp

    Yogurt 2 tbsp

    Ghee/ Clarified Butter 2 tbsp

    Salt 1 tsp

    Sugar ½ tsp

    Lemon Juice ½ tsp

    Cilantro to top


    Method


    Heat 1 tablespoon ghee and add rava. Roast on medium flame till it gives out an aroma, but does not change color. Remove from heat and set aside. 


    In the same pan heat the remaining ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then add asafoetida and cumin seeds. Once they pop, add curry leaves,  urad dal, cashewnuts and chilli. 


    In a few seconds add onion and ginger. Sauté till the onions are cooked and soft. Meanwhile beat the yogurt and add 1 ½ cups water. Whip to a smooth texture. 


    Add the roasted rava to the pan and mix well. Add in sugar, salt and mix well. Pour the yogurt water mixture slowly and keep stirring. Mix well and let the upma cook for a few minutes. 


    If it dries up, add more water. In about 6-7 minutes the upma will come together and cook. Turn down the flame and add lemon juice. Serve topped with cilantro and with tea or coffee on the side. It tastes great with dry chutney and coconut chutney too. 



    BMLogo 

    Check out the Blogging Marathon page to see what the other Blogging Marathoners are doing for this BM.

    « One Pot Pineapple Fried Quinoa
    Three Ingredient Chocolate Covered Dates »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Srivalli says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      Smruti, if a upma can be made to look beautiful, I must say these are perfect example of that..love your pretty clicks..those purple onions, red chilies and wow everything looks amazing in that picture!..Upmas are our saturday dinners always..sometimes the south indian version of kichidi as we call with vegetables and mostly this one..your pictures surely make this droolworthy!

      Reply
    2. vaishali sabnani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      You are right Upma is a little tricky , but if follows the measurements it works well . This bowl of Upma looks perfectly made and looks very tempting .

      Reply
    3. Sharmila kingsly says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      My fav go to breakfast anytime!!

      Reply
    4. Mayuri Patel says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      I often make Upma with loads of veggies as a lunch option. I love the way one can add anything to it to make it into a healthy and filling meal. Your preparation is tempting.

      Reply
    5. Archana says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      I love upma with curd and chutney pudi. Cannot take out the South Indian from me. 😀 Love it.

      Reply
    6. Priya Suresh says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      My family favourite breakfast, serve me with some coconut chutney, i wont mind eating a big bowl.

      Reply
    7. Srividhya says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      Love your presentation and that cute little bowls are great.

      Reply
    8. Chef Mireille says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      looks so flavorful and inviting

      Reply
    9. Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:42 pm

      One of the easiest to make dishes and also hated by many! We love upma with lots and lots of veggies and ghee on top! Even today i made it for my kiddo's lunch! So beautifully presented smruti!

      Reply

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