Fada | Dalia aur Tamatar Ka Upma (Broken Wheat Porridge with Tomatoes)

Whenever I think porridge, I remember the milk and honey soaked dalia (broken wheat) of my school days. Now a days, I like my dalia salty, and yes you guessed it, spicy!! Here is a recipe that is both quick and easy. I like to make this for weekend breakfast, as it is both nutritious and filling and perfect for a good start to the day!!

Ingredients:
1 cup fada/dalia (broken wheat)
2 large tomatoes, minced
2 green chilies, chopped fine
6-8 curry leaves
1" piece ginger, peeled and grated
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped fine
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1 dried red chili, broken
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Salt to taste
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, red chilies, and curry leaves.
3. Next add the tomatoes and salt. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes. 
4. Next 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 low heat until the water is reduced and the broken wheat is cooked.
8. The porridge should not be watery and should thicken away from the sides of the pan.
9. Serve hot garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Savoury and delicious, this broken wheat porridge makes for a yummy anytime breakfast food. It also travels well, tastes delicious cold, and is perfect for road trips. 

Vegan Substitute: Replace the half teaspoon of ghee in this recipe with half teaspoon of oil.

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