Semiya Upma

You will find this versatile quick fix at an early Saturday morning brunch or late Monday nights or even in lunch boxes ... Lot of people prefer this to the regular rava upma and I am no exception. But can't say the same for hubby dear..!!

Ingredients:
Semiya - 1/2 pack
Onions - 1/2 chopped
Tomato - 2/3 medium chopped
Carrot - 1/4 cup finely chopped
Beans - 1/4 cup French cut
Soy beans - 1/4 cup - I use from a frozen pack
Peas - 1/4 cup
Red chili powder - 1/3 tsp
Turmeric - a pinch (optional- I have not used)
Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp chopped
Oil - 1 tbsp
Salt to taste

Tempering:
Mustard Seeds 1/2 tsp
Urad Dal - 1 /2 tsp
Curry Leaves few

In a deep saute pan dry roast the semiya for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly golden brown. Remove the semiya from heat and keep aside. Boil 4 cups of water in a separate container. I normally microwave the water at the last minute when the veggies are almost done. In the same saute pan heat the oil and splutter the mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves. After a minute add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes. Then add the veggies. cook for 5-6 minutes closed on medium heat. Add the chili powder and after a minute add the chopped tomato. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are soft. Turn the heat to low and add the roasted semiya to to the saute pan and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add half the water and and salt to taste. This water will be quickly absorbed, add 1 1/2 cups of water and close the lid and let it boil for 5 minutes on very low heat. When you remove the lid almost all the water should have been absorbed. test the semiya to see if it fully cooked . Add the rest of the water if needed and close the lid and cook for further 2 minutes. Turn of the lid and let it sit for some time. this would finish any remaining cooking needed for the semiya and the veggies.
Transfer to a serving dish and run a fork to separate the semiya. Garnish with Coriander Leaves.


Semiya(sae-me-ya) is also used to make desserts like semiya payasam etc.
Roasted Vermicelli is available for purchase online at Amazon.com . Regular semiya can be easily found in Indian stores brands I have seen here Bambino, MTR.