Semiya Upma

Semiya or vermicelli upma is a comfort food which can be made as a break fast item, tiffin box item or even as a tea time dish. Upma is a common dish in South Indian households and usually is made using rava or semolina. Semiya upma can be made in a similar way and can be made richer and flavourful by adding vegetables. It not only looks colourful but also taste really good. I am sure kids will love the taste and it's a very interesting way to make sure picky eaters eats the veggies. It's a simple recipe which anyone can make.
These days cooking is not considered as an art but a survival skill. You don't need fancy cookware or exotic ingredients. Just by learning the nuances of cooking anyone can make droolworthy dishes.

Ingredients

200 grams Semiya

1 small size onion finely chopped

4-5 Beans finely chopped

1- small carrot finely chopped 

2-3 slit green chillies

1/2 inch root ginger julienned

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1-2 spring curry leaves

1 tablespoon coconut oil/ sunflower oil( you can also use 2 teaspoon ghee instead) 

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Salt as required

Steps

Step 1

Roast the semiya in oil/ghee in a deep bottom pan/kadai. Oncebit turns light brown keep it aside. 

Step 2

In the same pan add oil and splutter mustar seeds. When it crackles add slit green chillies and ginger. 

Step 3

Add the chopped onions and saute till it becomes soft.

Step 4
Add the chopped carrots and beans and cook till it's tender.

Step 5
Pour 2 cups water and add salt as required.

Step 6
Once the water starts boiling add the roasted semiya and mix well.

Step 7
Cook covered in low flame for 4-5 minutes till all the water is absorbed.

Step 8
Add the shredded coconut and mix well. Turn off the flame and serve hot.

Tips

• You can garnish the upma with roasted cashew nuts. 
• If you prefer tangy taste you can add 1 tomato finely chopped before adding the vegetables. 
• You can also boil the semiya separately adding enough salt,strain the excess water and add it to the sauteed vegetables.
• If there are left over chopped carrots and beans you can turn it into a thoran/stir fry for lunch 😉.