Flavored Dum Masala Millet Upma Recipe

About this recipe

Flavored Dum Masala Millet Upma is a hearty and nutritious breakfast dish that blends the wholesome goodness of millets with a medley of aromatic Indian spices. This medium-spiced recipe is perfect for an active lifestyle, providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients. Cooked with fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, this upma is both flavorful and satisfying. It's an ideal meal to start your day on a healthy and tasty note, bringing a burst of flavors to your breakfast table.

Ingredients

• 500 Grms Bajra Atta Millets Atta 500 Grms
• 200 ml Ghee
• 50g Everest Garam Masala
• 500 g Onion
• 500 g Tomato - Hybrid
• loose Ginger
• 100 g Coriander Leaves
• 250 g Carrot
• medium Chilli Green Long
• 100 g Curry Leaves
• - Green Peas
• 100 g Jeera
• 100 g Red Chili Powder
• 100 g Salt
• 20 g Turmeric Powder
• 100 g Yellow Mustard Seeds

Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the foxtail millet thoroughly and soak it in water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chili. Sauté for 1 minute.
3. 3. Add the chopped onions and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. 4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 2 minutes. Add turmeric powder, garam masala, and red chili powder, and mix well.
5. 5. Add the green peas and chopped carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften while retaining a crunch.
6. 6. Add the soaked millet to the pan and mix everything well. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7. Pour in 2 cups of hot water, cover the pan with a lid, and let the millet cook on low heat for about 12-15 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed.
8. 8. Turn off the heat, fluff the upma gently with a fork, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it important to soak the millet before cooking?

Soaking the millet helps to soften the grains, making them easier to cook and improving their texture in the final dish. It also helps reduce cooking time and ensures the millet absorbs flavors more effectively. Skipping this step may result in unevenly cooked or chewy millet.

Can I substitute Bajra Atta millet with another type of millet?

Yes, you can substitute Bajra Atta millet with other small millets like foxtail millet, finger millet (ragi), or little millet, as they have similar cooking properties. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the type of millet used. Ensure you adjust the water ratio and cooking time accordingly.

How can I reduce the spice level in this recipe?

To reduce the spice level, you can use fewer green chilies or deseed them before adding. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit it entirely. Balancing the spice with a little extra ghee or serving with plain yogurt can also help mellow the heat.

How do I know when the millet is fully cooked?

The millet is fully cooked when it has absorbed all the water and has a soft but slightly fluffy texture. You can check by fluffing it gently with a fork; the grains should separate easily without being mushy. If the millet feels hard or crunchy, it needs more cooking time and possibly a splash of hot water.

Can this dish be made ahead and reheated later?

Yes, Flavored Dum Masala Millet Upma can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the upma and warm it on low heat in a pan or microwave to restore its softness. Avoid reheating multiple times, as it may dry out the millet.