Soft Idli Recipe – Fluffy South Indian Idli at Home
Soft, fluffy idli made from fermented rice and urad dal batter — a classic South Indian breakfast served with coconut chutney and sambar.
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This easy Upma recipe is a quick and tasty South Indian breakfast made with rava (semolina), onions, curry leaves, green chili and simple spices. It is soft, flavorful and ready in about 25–30 minutes.
Follow along step-by-step.
How to Make Upma Step 1: Roast the Rava: Heat a pan on medium-low heat. Add the rava and roast it for about 5–7 minutes. Keep stirring so it does not burn. The rava should smell nice and feel dry, but it should not turn brown. Transfer the roasted rava to a plate and keep it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempering: Heat oil or ghee in the same pan. Add mustard seeds. When they start to crackle, add cumin seeds, chana dal and urad dal. Add the cashews and cook until the dals and cashews become lightly golden.
Step 3: Add Onion and Spices: Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft. Now add green chili, ginger and curry leaves. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute.
Step 4: Add Water: Pour 2½ cups of water into the pan. Add salt and, if you like a slightly sweet taste, add ½ teaspoon sugar. Mix everything and bring the water to a good boil.
Step 5: Add the Rava: Lower the heat. Slowly add the roasted rava in small batches while continuously stirring. Keep stirring as you add the rava. This helps prevent lumps.
Step 6: Cook the Upma: Once all the rava is mixed in, cover the pan. Cook on low heat for about 2–3 minutes. The rava will absorb the water and become soft and fluffy. Turn off the heat and add chopped coriander. Mix gently.
How to Serve Upma Serve hot with: Coconut chutney Lemon wedges Lemon pickle A little ghee South Indian filter coffee or tea
Easy Tips for Perfect Upma Always roast the rava before making upma. Do not roast the rava until it becomes brown. Add rava slowly into boiling water. Keep stirring while adding the rava to avoid lumps. Cook the upma on low heat after adding the rava. For softer upma, you can add a little extra water. Serve upma hot for the best taste.
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