There were days in my childhood when I used to literally shed tears when Upma was made at home by mum and am sure there will be quite some people who would be able to relate to that……I cannot imagine that I have started to experiment making Upma not only with semolina but with other ingredients as the main as well!!
With most people looking for healthy options, adding a bit of ideas and spices to the traditional dishes, makes it worth the while!!!
So here you go…………Upma prepared with the wonder grain – Oats
Oats is high in Protein, Fibre and Rich in Anti oxidants – It helps reduce bad cholesterol to a very great extent hence consumption of oats has a low cardio vascular risk.
It is packed with vitamins and minerals as well! It’s not wonder it is called the Wonder Grain!!
Although gluten free, it is advisable to double check if you are allergic!
This dish is delicious as it is enhanced with some veggies which are thrown in as well!!!
Ingredients
1 Cup Oats (broken into a slightly coarse mixture)
(ensure you do not make the oats too powdery)
2 Cups Hot Boiling Water
1 -2 Tsp Salt
1 Tbs Ghee or Oil (Optional)
For Seasoning
2 Tbs Oil
1 Tsp Mustard Seeds
1 Tsbs Urad Dal
1 Tbs Channa Dal
¼ Tsp Asafoetida Powder
2-3 Green chillies
Handful of chopped cashew nuts
Vegetables Required
1 Medium Sized Onion
1 Medium Sized Tomato
1/4 Cup Grated Carrot
1/4 Cup Fresh or Frozen Peas
1 Tbs. Chopped Cashew nuts
1 inch piece Ginger (finely sliced)
1-2 Green Chillies (finely sliced)
Few Curry Leaves
Preparation
Chop the onions and tomatoes fine. Grate the carrots and keep aside
Heat oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds
When the mustard seeds crackle, add the remainder of the seasoning ingredients
Fry till the dals and cashew nuts turn golden brown.
Add the finely chopped onion, tomato, peas, green chillies and grated carrots
Saute for a few minutes and pour in the cracked oats mixture
Fry for 2-3 minutes on a low flame and turn off the stove (if you are going to serve it later)
Just before you serve
When the Upma is ready to be served, turn the stove on, add the hot boiling water to the above seasoned oats and vegetable mix in the pan.
Sprinkle the salt, add the ghee or oil and mix it thoroughly and turn the stove off when it is semi solid in consistency
The Vegetable Oats Upma is now ready to be served
Note: My preference is to fry all the ingredients as is in the recipe and add boiling water just before you serve the Upma!