Perfect Instant Pot Semolina/Rawa Upma
I am thinking of my father today. The hustle and bustle of the last few days did not leave a lot of comfort cooking time. Some proactive juggling allowed me to get something simple on the breakfast table this morning. The result is this Rawa Upma
My Rawa Upma Story
It actually makes me realize much of a juggling act, keeping things going really can be. Their generation made it seem more natural. There were no qualms about keeping their priorities together and straight. My father was very busy with his work, I realize the stresses of supporting the household only too well.
This was something that came naturally to their generation. The time that he spent with us was not structured, it was not labelled quality time. But, honestly, if I can accomplish half that quality with my kids, maybe I will be happy as a parent.
Mom heads over to Seattle next week, making me realize that I really need to sort everything before she arrives here. In thinking of Dad, last night mom and I had a deep and soulful chat. Peaceful and satisfying! Much like this recipe that I am about to share.
More About Rawa Upma
An upma is a classic morning breakfast dish, made with a grain such as the semolina or cracked wheat known as daliya. This version is made in the instant pot, but, can be easily done in the stove top, much like my polenta upma that you find here. There are two variations of this dish, the soft porridge like one I share here and the drier pilaf like version that is made with coarser semolina.
Another variation of an instant pot upma includes this.
In going through different variations, I have learned that this
- 1 is to 3 water to semolina ratio is the key to allow the semolina to cook without getting the burn message.
- Do not forget to toast the peanuts! It makes a big difference.
The rest of the dish is fairly adaptable. Aadi has put together a short video. For more instant pot fun, please check out my facegroup on Indian instant pot cooking.
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian my new Indian Instant Pot Cookbook is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
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A quick and easy recipe for instant pot semolina/rawa upma.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons plus 1 oil
- 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 10 to 12 curry leaves
- 1 medium sized onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 cup semolina or rawa (try the pre-roasted variety)
- 1 cup chopped vegetables
- 1 tomato chopped
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup blanched peanuts (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Turn on the instant pot to saute mode. Add in the 3 tablespoons oil. Add in the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
- Add in the onion and the ginger and saute for 2 minutes. Add in the salt and cayenne.
- Add in the semolina, chopped vegetables and tomato and mix well.
- Add in the water. Stir well. Turn off the saute mode.
- In the meantime heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and toast the peanuts.
- Cover and set on 2 minutes of pressure cooking. Do a quick release.
- Stir in the peanuts, lime juice and the cilantro and enjoy!