Upma with semiya (Vermicelli)

Vermicelli known as semiya or sev in India is a popular breakfast or dessert ingredient.  Upma which makes a good one course meal is easy to make and does not need too much time to prepare. When made along with vegetables, it is quite nutritious. A popular dessert called kheer (kind of rice pudding) is also made of semiya.

Ingredients:

    ·        1 cup  vermicelli

    ·        1 cup  boiling water

    ·        1 green chili chopped

    ·        ½” ginger, cut into small pieces

    ·        A few curry leaves

    ·        ¼ onion, finely chopped

    ·        1 carrot, finely diced

    ·        1 potato peeled and diced

    ·        2 tbsp green peas

 

For seasoning:

    ·        3 tsp oil

    ·        1 tsp Chana dal

    ·        1 tsp Urad dal

    ·        ½ tsp Mustard  seeds

    ·        Salt to taste

    ·        2 tsp ghee

    ·        2 tsp lemon juice

Directions:

1.     Microwave potato and carrot pieces till done.

2.     Heat oil and fry dals and mustard seeds till mustard starts spluttering.

3.     Add green chili and ginger and after a minute add the curry leaves.

4.     Add onion and keep stirring. 

5.      When the onion is translucent, add green peas.

6.      Add vermicelli and keep stirring.

7.      When the vermicelli is slightly brown in color, add carrots and potatos.  

8.      Add salt and mix.

9.      Add the boiling water and keep stirring. Keep it covered.

10.  When the water is fully absorbed, add lemon juice and ghee. 

11. Let the upma sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Note:

It is a variation of sooji upma.

To make the upma richer and tastier, you may add  cashew nuts to the seasoning and let it fry with the vermicelli.

Vermicelli is available in most of the Indian stores in USA