Semiya ( vermicelli) Upma

semiya or vermicelli upma is a breakfast dish in our place, variation to regular Idli and dosa breakfast. As we don't have breakfast in the morning ( only oatmeal or cereals!!!!) I make this for dinner. It will be nice change from rice varieties and especially for diet purpose. During the weekdays we usually have Upma or chappathi( strictly no rice, but it is very hard to keep though!!!). Coming back to upma, Semiya or vermicelli can be found in Indian grocery shops.

Ingredients

1 cup semiya

3 greenchillies

1 tsp urad dhal

1 tsp channa dhal

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 onion cut lengthwise

2 tbsp oil

1 tsp oil

3 cups water

salt to taste

Preparation

I cook the semiya beforehand in boiling water otherwise the semiya turns out to sticky. Heat water in a sauce pan, once the water starts boiling add semiya. Leave it for 10 mts or till the semiya is cooked!!. Remove from heat and strain it. U have to keep the strained semiya in flowing cold water for sometime. Add 1 tsp oil and mix the semiya, this process separates the semiya strands.

Heat remaining oil in non stick pan. Add mustard seed, after it splutters add channa and urad dhal.

Add green chillies and onion. Fry till onions become translucent. Add the semiya to this mixture. Finally add salt and mix thoroughly. I usually add 1 tbsp ghee just for the flavour which is optional.

Serve it with coconut or coriander chutney!!!!!