Ep 3 Upma

Rava Upma — Quick, Savory Morning Comfort

As I always say: Rushed mornings do not mean skipped breakfast.

You still deserve something hot, savory, and made with intention. This upma is your 15-minute done comfort bowl, no blender, no drama, just roasted rava, a few crackles, and a squeeze of lime.

Ready to win this morning??

🛒 Ingredients (Solo-friendly. No leftovers judging you.)

• 1 cup rava / semolina (sooji)

• 2 tbsp oil or ghee (go bold)

• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (for the drama)

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds (optional, but aromatic)

• 1 tsp chana dal + 1 tsp urad dal (for crunch and clout)

• 8–10 curry leaves (they must sizzle)

• 1 small onion, chopped (don’t cry, it’s worth it)

• 1 green chilli, slit (optional fire)

• 1/4 cup mixed veg (peas, carrot, capsicum — or whatever’s sulking in your fridge)

• 2 1/2 cups water

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews (optional, but delightful)

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander (green confetti)

• Juice of 1/2 lime

🔥 Method (a.k.a. your 3-step morning win)

Step 1: Roast like you mean it

Dry roast the rava in a pan for 2–3 minutes till it smells toasty and warm. Not brown. Not burnt. Just golden ambition. Set aside. Sensory action guide for roasting rava is that initially it will feel heavy to roast but after few minutes it becomes easy.

Step 2: Temper tantrum (the good kind)

In the same pan, heat oil/ghee. Add mustard seeds let them pop like applause. Toss in cumin, dals, curry leaves. Sizzle. Add onion and chilli. Stir till onion is translucent and fragrant. Add veggies. Cook 2 minutes. Smells like you're having a perfect meal.

Step 3: Pour, stir, fluff

Add water + salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Lower heat. Slowly sprinkle in roasted rava while stirring (no lumps, this isn’t porridge). Stir, cover, cook 2–3 mins. It will turn thick. Do not dry out water much. Turn off heat. Rest 2 mins. Fluff with a fork. Add nuts, coriander, lime juice, and a drizzle of ghee if you’re feeling it.

Scoop into a bowl.

Steam kisses your face.

Take a bite but beware it's hot, it’s soft, its savory, and just a little smug.

You made this.

Before 9 a.m. With flair.

Now go forth and start your day with peace in your belly.