Upma

Etymology

In many Dravidian languages, the word uppu means salt and pindi, mavu or hittu means flour, hence the name uppindi, uppumavu or uppittu. In North India, it is called upma.

Preparation

Upma is usually made with Semolina (called Rava or Suji in India). There are many ways Upma is prepared; indeed, every upma cook usually will incorporate variations in flavour when making Upma. This variation is obtained by varying or emphasising particular spices. A typical recipe includes:

Ingredients

1. Semolina (Rava) (1 cup)
2. Cooking oil (3-4 tbsp)
3. Mustard seeds (1/2 tsp)
4. Cumin (1 tsp)
5. Asafoetida (1 tsp)
6. Curry Leaves
7. Garam masala
8. Chopped onions (1 med, chopped)
9. Salt to taste
10. Vegetables of choice: Peas, carrot
11. Grated coconut (3-4 tbsp, optional)
12. Lemon juice (2 tsp, optional)

Method of preparation

1. Dry-roast Semolina (rava) until it just begins to turn brown, then keep aside.
2. In a large saucepan/wok, heat the cooking oil.
3. Add mustard seeds and wait for them to sputter. Then add cumin, ginger, green chillies and chopped onions and fry until onions caramelise.
4. Add vegetables, salt and 2 cups of water, and bring to boil.
5. Add the roasted rava, turn down the heat, and mix quickly to avoid lumps forming.
6. The upma is done when all the water is absorbed by the rava.
7. Garnish with grated coconut, chopped cilantro leaves and lemon juice.

Sooji upma

The most popular version with wide variations of Upma are made with whole or refined ground wheat and rice of varied grain size, Vermicelli. Sometimes a wide range of vegetables may be added, and may be garnished with a variety of beans (raw or sprouted), cashew and peanuts. For a variation called masala upma (known as 'Kharabath' in Karnataka), sambar masala or garam masala is added along with red chilli powder, instead of green chillies. This variety is more popular in Karnataka, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and is usually served in South Indian restaurants.

Whole wheat upma

Whole wheat or wheat dalia (cracked wheat) is known for its nutritional benefits. In Tamil Nadu Samba Wheat rava (Traditional Wheat) is used and is very popular in Coimbatore region where it is had as breakfast or dinner. Usually eaten with Bananna and Ghee or Curd and pickle and also served with chutney and sambhar. Some times cooked with vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans for a fulfilling meal. It is also high in glycemic index and is good for diabetics.

Rice upma

The Rice Upma, which is mainly popular in Tamil Nadu and southern parts of Karnataka is referred to as Akki Tari Uppittu (Rice coarse flour uppittu). Another variant of upma is prepared with grated coconuts instead of onions, especially on holy days, when onion is avoided. This type of upma is generally smeared with ghee at the end of preparation. Dishes similar to upma can be made by substituting small crumbs of leftover bread or Idli instead of flour. Upma made from coarser rava known as Sajjige is a dish of Udupi cuisine. It is sometimes served along with snacks such as sauted and spiced poha or Chevdo.

Corn upma

Another variation is Corn Upma which serves as a healthy breakfast due to the ingredients like corn, milk & nuts, Curry Leaves are added for flavour.

Kesari bath

In Karnataka, Upma is also served with another popular sweet dish of Karnataka Kesari bhath(ಕೇಸರಿ ಬಾತ್), both in equal quantity in one plate which is very popularly called as the "Chow Chow Bath".

Aval upma / Atukulu upma

In Andhra Pradesh, flattened rice used in place of semolina for upma, called Atukulu upma (అటుకులు ఉప్మా). Also known as Aval Upma in Chennai region when used with rice flakes similar to poha.

Vermicili Upma

Another version made with Vermicelli and tomato, peas and carrot. A popular light snack in the evening.