Crafting Rava Upma with Love: Classic, Vegetable, and Spicy Variations to Warm Your Soul

In this post, we’ll delve into the art of crafting Rava Upma with meticulous care, exploring not just the classic rendition but also two enticing variations that are sure to delight your taste buds: Vegetable Rava Upma and Spicy Rava Upma. Whether you’re seeking comfort in the familiar or craving a spicy twist, we have you covered, Crafting Rava Upma with Love: Classic, Vegetable, and Spicy Variations to Warm Your Soul.

1. Classic Rava Upma

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 teaspoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup green peas
• Salt to taste
• Water (approximately 2.5 cups)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon juice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dry Roasting the Rava:
   • Heat a pan on medium heat and dry roast the rava until it turns slightly golden brown. Keep stirring to prevent burning. Once done, set aside.
2. Preparing the Tempering:
   • In the same pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add urad dal and chana dal. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Adding Aromatics:
   • Add asafoetida, chopped ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté briefly.
4. Sautéing Vegetables:
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
   • Stir in chopped carrots and green peas. Cook for a few minutes.
5. Cooking Rava:
   • Slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
   • Mix well and let the rava cook for a couple of minutes.
6. Adding Water:
   • Gradually add water while stirring to ensure there are no lumps. Add salt to taste.
7. Simmering and Garnishing:
   • Cover the pan and let the upma simmer on low heat until the rava absorbs all the water and is cooked through.
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of lemon juice if desired.

2. Vegetable Rava Upma

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, beans, peas)

Instructions:

1. Follow the steps for Classic Rava Upma until step 4.
2. Sautéing Vegetables:
   • Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
3. Continuing the Cooking Process:
   • Proceed with step 5 of the Classic Rava Upma recipe.
4. Final Garnish:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

3. Spicy Rava Upma

Additional Ingredients:

• 2-3 dry red chilies, crushed or chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

Instructions:

1. Follow the steps for Classic Rava Upma until step 3.
2. Adding Spices:
   • Add crushed dry red chilies, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Sauté briefly.
3. Continuing the Cooking Process:
   • Proceed with step 4 of the Classic Rava Upma recipe.
4. Final Garnish:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot for a spicy kick.

Enjoy these delightful variations of Rava Upma, each offering a unique taste and texture to suit your preferences!