UPMA

This is my savior for all those early Monday morning 8 O'clock classes! Super quick and a cakewalk to make! The special thing about upma is that almost all the ingredients are optional and it's always open to improvisation and spice-libbing! :D

INGREDIENTS:

Semolina (sooji)-------------------------------1 cup
Peanuts------------------------------------------2 tablespoons
Split Black Gram Lentils (Urad daal)-------1 teaspoon
Black Mustard (Rai)--------------------------1 tablespoon
Curry leaves------------------------------------1 tablespoon
Onions(Chopped)------------------------------1/2 cup

(You can try adding baby carrots, chopped parsley, celery, green chillies, potatoes, tomatoes-almost everything is just about right! This is my version of a quick morning breakfast!)

Red Chilly Powder----------------------------1 teaspoon
Turmeric (A pinch)
Salt (To taste)
Water--------------------------------------------1.75 cups
Oil

METHOD:
Heat oil in a pan/skillet and add the black mustard seeds, split black gram lentils, peanuts and curry leaves. Wait for them to crackle and then add the chopped onions and salt. As the onions start turning pink/brown (depending upon your choice of vessel), add the semolina, turmeric and red chilly powder. Fry until the semolina absorbs all the oil (about 30 seconds) and then add water. Turn off the heat to minimum and cover the vessel.
Take the vessel off the stove in about 3-4 minutes and till the desired consistency is reached.