UPMA - Indian Breakfast

'UPMA' - Indian Breakfast

Upma is a typical savory breakfast eaten in India. It can be made with various cereals such as quinoa, bulgar wheat or rice, but cream of wheat is most common. This recipe was given by my friend Mona in Mumbai. It’s also great for lunch, eaten hot or at room temp.

1 Cup of Cream of Wheat or Semolina Cereal

2 Tbsp. Oil

1 Tbsp. Mustard Seeds

1 tsp. Cumin Seeds

2 Bay Leaves or 4 Curry Leaves

½ tsp Salt

2 whole Red Chilis

½ large or 1 small Onion - chopped

¼ cup Cashews - broken

2 - 3 Tbsp. Urid Dal

1 Cup frozen Peas or frozen Mixed Vegetables-eg. frresh peas, carrots, cauliflower, green beans,

1 - Toasted in a medium pan over medium heat until lightly brown. Put aside in a separate bowl.

2 - Add Oil to pan. Over medium heat, toast Mustard Seeds just until they begin to pop.

3 - Add Cumin, Bay Leaves, Salt & Chilis. Cook for a minute.

4 - Add Onions, Cashews and Dal. Fry until golden.

5 - Add 3 (or more) cups of water. Bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in toasted Cream of Wheat. Cook for a few minutes.

6 - Add frozen peas (or vegetables) near the end. Cook for @5 mins. stirring constantly until it’s slightly dry. You may need to add more water as it cooks.

Serve with yogurt, a squeeze of lime juice and cilantro if desired.