Arisi Upma (Rice Upma): A Simple & Delicious South Indian Tiffin

Description
Arisi Upma, a popular South Indian breakfast or tiffin item, is a wholesome and comforting dish made from rice and lentils. It's a flavorful and easy-to-digest option that's often enjoyed with chutney or sambar.
Ingredients
For the Upma
- 1 cup Raw Rice (Ponni or Sona Masuri)
- 2 tablespoons Split Yellow Lentils (Moong Dal)
- 3 cups Water
- Salt (to taste)
For Tempering (Tadka)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or Oil
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Urad Dal (Black Gram Lentils)
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
- 2-3 Green Chilies (slit)
- 1/2 inch Ginger (finely chopped (optional))
- 8-10 Cashew Nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly and drain.
- In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and fry until it turns golden brown.
- Add curry leaves, asafoetida, green chilies, and chopped ginger (if using). Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add cashew nuts (if using) and fry until lightly golden.
- Add the washed rice and moong dal to the pressure cooker and roast for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until slightly aromatic.
- Add water and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Open the pressure cooker and gently mix the upma. If it's too thick, you can add a little hot water and mix.
- Serve hot.