Upmavu

Today has been a very busy day and coming home almost at dinner time, meant no time for anything elaborate but something quick and effortless. This upmavu, that took less than 1/2 hour to make, is one of my less favorite dishes. I remember sneaking out without eating breakfast to school, whenever amma made upmavu, lest I was forced to eat it ..:). Today too, it was was the case and I decided to make just enough for hubby dear ( you can see the quantity in the picture) and me eating cereals. But once it was done, I tasted it for salt and realized it did come out very delicious, contrary to my fast held beliefs. So, it just so happened that we decided that I had to have my fair share- 1/2 of it with bananas and pappadams- those being the quickest to put on the table next to achars. :). The measurements are based on what I did today. Please increase according to your requirement.

Ingredients:
Rava/ Semolina - 1 cup
Onion - 1/4 medium sized. Finely chopped
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Urad Dal - 1 tsp
Ginger - 1 inch finely chopped
Curry Leaves - 5 to 7
Green Chilli - 3-4 small. Finely Chopped
Dried Red Chilli - 1
Oil - 1 1/2 tsp
Water -1 1/2 cup
Salt to taste.

Dry roast the rava on medium to high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, until you see it is changing to golden. Be careful to not totally brown or burn it if you have the heat on high by making sure you keep pushing it around with a ladle. Remove it from heat and keep aside. Heat the oil and once it is hot enough add the mustard so that it starts spluttering immediately. Add the urad dal, ginger, onion, green chilli and curry leaves. Saute on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the onions are golden to dark brown. Add salt and rava and mix well. Meanwhile heat the water in a seperate bowl. I just put it in the microwave for 1 minute. Slowly pour the water - 1/2 a cup at a time continously stirring the upmavu, you might not need to pour the whole water, depending on the consistency and texture you prefer. stir for 1-2 minutes more, making sure all the grains are cooked and there is no dry patch. Remove and serve.

You can also add mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, beans etc - .. and add turmeric to give it more color. When adding more veggies, make sure you saute them for 3-4 minutes then add an additional 1 1/2 of water and cook for 6-8 minutes until they soft.