Monday, June 27, 2011

Fada / Dalia ka Upma | Healthy Broken Wheat Porridge with Green Peas and Sweet Corn

Sunday breakfast is always special. Sometimes I get round to making it so leisurely after morning tea and papers that it kind of morphs into a brunch! In the good old days when I had a proper desi mixie, I'd make idli, dosa, vadas, dal cheelas, all of which my husband just loves. While we miss these, I now have the opportunity to explore a different range of healthy breakfasts that we had been missing out on!!


Broken wheat is a staple in my pantry. It has a distinctively nutty flavour that I adore, and a bite that is very satisfying. I often use it to make Upma, which is a really versatile, healthy, and filling treat. This version is made with onions, corn, and peas.

Ingredients:
1 cup fada/dalia (broken wheat)
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup green peas
2 green chilies, chopped fine
6-8 curry leaves
1" piece ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Salt to taste
21/2 cups water, warmed

Method:
  1. Toast the broken wheat in a large non stick pan on low to medium heat.
  2. Set aside. Pour the oil into the pan. When its hot, reduce heat, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chilies and curry leaves.
  3. Next add the green peas and corn. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes. 
  4. Now add the ginger and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes.
  5. Pour in the toasted broken wheat into this mix with two cups warm water and the ghee.
  6. Stir well to ensure there are no lumps.
  7. Continue stirring and cook on a medium-low heat until the water is absorbed and the broken wheat is cooked.
  8. The porridge should not be watery and should thicken away from the sides of the pan.
Serve hot with a bowl of plain yogurt and green chile pickle!

Vegan Substitute: Don't add the ghee to this recipe.

Good to know:
  • This preparation is perfect for for breakfast, brunch, or even a snack. Simply adjust the portions.
  • Its also easy to carry for road trips and picnics and tastes delicious even when cold.
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6 comments:

  1. Oh, I tried to post a comment but I got cut out... did you get it?
    Anyway, it was good :-)


    A.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow upma looks wholesome and delicious..

    ReplyDelete
  3. I do almost same too...delicious n healthy

    ReplyDelete
  4. I used to always think Dalia is baby food.. but you made it looks gorgeous :)

    ReplyDelete

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