20-minute Vegetable Upma

What better way to start Monday than food?

After giving it a lot of thought about what to post about the first recipe, I have debated (with myself ofc!) and settled on the fastest and easiest healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner option out there. The interesting part is that you can make it 3 different ways and that way it doesn't have to be boring.

Note: Picture is for representational purposes only

After coming to the US, my outlook on Upma has changed completely. Being an ardent opposer of Upma back in India, it's the recipe that I found to be easiest to make (now I understand why my mom cooks it frequently!). Also, it's a healthy option and one pot recipe.

Before we dive into the recipe, note that the above picture is for representational purposes only.

Ingredients

• Semolina or Rava or Poha (Flattened Rice) - 1 cup

• Ginger - 1 tbsp

• Green chillies - 1 tbsp

• Mustard seeds

• Carrots and Peas (Frozen) - 1 cup

• Potatoes - 1 nos

• Cashews - 1 cup (Optional)

• Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp

• Salt - To taste

Step 1: Roasting of the base

If using Semolina or Rava, you can dry roast it in the microwave for a total of 2 mins. First set the timer of the microwave to 1 min, then mix by tossing (to avoid uneven heating) and put it back for another minute.

If you choose to roast on stove, you'll have to continuously stir so that it does not stick to the bottom.

For Poha, rinse it in water once and soak for about 2 mins and strain them and keep it aside.

Note that, depending on the thickness of Poha, the soaking time varies. If it's of the thinnest varieties, just rinsing and draining them would soften them.

Step 2: It's all about the veggies

1. Heat some oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and let them flutter.

2. Then add some ginger and green chilies and sauté them for about 2 mins

3. (For Poha only) Add some groundnuts and sauté them for 3-4 minutes

4. (For Rava or Semolina) (Optional) Sauté some cashews for 3-4 minutes

5. Add the onions and sauté until translucent

6. Now add diced potatoes, carrots and peas with a half teaspoon salt

7. Mix them well for a minute and cover the pan with a lid

8. After about 5 minutes, everything in the pan now should be soft. You can check this by inserting a fork or spoon into the potatoes. If the potatoes are cooked it means that it's time to proceed with the next step.

Note:

1. If you are not using frozen carrots, then you can mix after initial 5 minutes and then close and cook for another 3-5 minutes.

2. It's arguable with some that you cannot make Upma properly without curry leaves. Since I don't have much access to them, the recipe has been rendered without them and it tastes just fine.

Step 3: Here comes the main part

Rava or Semolina

1. Add the roasted Rava or Semolina

2. Add 2 cups of water for every 1 cup taken

3. Mix it well with the veggies and check for salt in the water

4. Add on salt based on your requirement

5. Get the water to a boil and then simmer it down and cook until the water evaporates

Poha

1. Add the rinsed Poha

2. Add turmeric powder and mix well

3. Check for the salt level and add accordingly

Step 3: At last, Garnish!

Add finely chopped coriander and serve it hot!

The Selling Point

If you are someone who is living outside of India and are looking for one quick stop to make something without ordering out, Upma is the best way to go. This comes from personal experience. Also, it's a great way to impress your parents with your cooking skills and experiment it on your peers. The best part of it is that you don't even have to be elaborate with it. Just some ginger, chilies and onion can do the trick too. Of course, you'll need to have the base ingredient. The best part about making Upma is that you have to put in least amount of work for maximum benefit. Although there are some interesting variations that you can add to this simple recipe to make it more enjoyable. But that's a recipe for another time.

P.S. Never in a million years have I ever thought I'd recommend Upma to anyone.

Bon Appetit!