If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful breakfast option or a light and wholesome meal, Veg Upma is your best bet. This traditional Indian dish is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. The mix of semolina, spices, and colorful veggies makes it a wholesome choice for any time of the day. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and get ready to enjoy the aromatic flavors of Veg Upma.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup semolina (sooji)
– 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 green chili, finely chopped
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1/2 cup green peas
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (capsicum)
– 8-10 curry leaves
– 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
– Lemon wedges for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the ingredients:** Gather and prepare all the vegetables, spices, and other ingredients before you start cooking. This will ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. **Dry roast the semolina:** In a dry pan, roast the semolina over medium heat until it turns light golden brown and you can smell a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Transfer the roasted semolina to a plate and set aside.
3. **Sauté the aromatics:** In the same pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onion, green chili, ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
4. **Add the vegetables:** Toss in the diced carrot, green peas, diced bell pepper, and roasted peanuts. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain a crunch.
5. **Combine with semolina:** Lower the heat and gradually add the roasted semolina to the pan while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Mix well to combine the semolina with the vegetables.
6. **Season and cook:** Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the mixture. Add some water, stirring continuously to ensure the semolina absorbs the liquid and cooks evenly. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the semolina is cooked through.
7. **Garnish and serve:** Once the Veg Upma reaches a porridge-like consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice on top.
Veg Upma is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the pan. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite vegetables and spice levels. Whether you savor it for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of Indian chai or as a light and flavorful dinner option, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something wholesome and delicious. Whip up a batch of this comforting Veg Upma and treat yourself to a taste of traditional Indian flavors right in your cozy home.
