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Anagha's Story on Oats Upma

Upma is a famous Indian breakfast prepared using dry roasted coarse semolina. I have grown up eating this simple, easy yet delicious recipe for many years. Upma can also be prepared using coarse rice flour, cracked whole wheat, vermicelli or, flattened rice. Substituting coarse semolina with rolled oats is the new version I am fond of preparing these days due to its health benefits. I have introduced oats upma in my family these days as it tastes similar yet healthier swap. I love eating Oats Upma as my morning breakfast on chilly winter mornings. It is a healthier and more filling breakfast to begin my day.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1 chopped bell pepper

1 chopped carrot

1 chopped onion

3 tbsp chopped cilantro

3 tbsp grated coconut

1 cubed tomato

10 chopped green beans

5 tbsp green peas

For Seasoning:

2 split thai chili

1- inch ginger (grated)

1 tsp polished split black lentil (Urad dal)

1 tsp split chickpeas

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 tbsp peanuts

5 cashews

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tbsp oil

2 tsp salt (per taste)

1/2 lemon (per taste)

1 1/2 cup water

 

Recipe Procedure:

1. Dry roast 1 cup rolled oats for 5 minutes until the oats turn aromatic and crisp. Keep aside. In a large pan heat 1 tbsp oil and splutter 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp polished black lentil, 1 tsp cumin seeds, and 5 cashews. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown. Add 1-inch ginger (grated), 2 chilies, and 1 chopped onion. Sauté well until onion turns golden brown.
2. Furthermore, add 1 chopped carrot, 10 chopped beans, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 cubed tomato, 5 tbsp green peas. OR Use 1.5 cups of frozen vegetables.
3. Add 2 tbsp water, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Now add 1 cup water and get it to a boil. If using instant oats, just add ¼ cup water.
5. Once the water comes to a boil, add in roasted oats and mix well until the oats absorb all the water. Add salt per taste
6. Now cover and simmer for 5- 10 minutes or until oats get cooked well.
7. Add 3 tbsp chopped cilantro, 3 tbsp grated coconut, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
8. Finally, enjoy vegetable oats upma as a healthy breakfast.

 

Other Information: 

Category: Main Dish

Time typically served: Breakfast/ Brunch

Servings: 2