Vermicelli Upma

Though upma is traditionally made with semolina( sooji), it also works well with vermicelli. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or tea time.  It is a nice way to make kids eat veggies too!

Ingredients:

1 cup vermicelli ( sewai)
1 onion
1 small piece of  ginger
1 green chilli
1/2 cup vegetables: carrot, capsicum, cauliflower, green peas
Curry leaves
salt to taste
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp urad dal
3 1/2 tbsp oil

Method: Chop onions, ginger and green chilli finely. Chop the vegetables into small pieces. Heat several cups of water and add salt and 1 tbsp of oil. When water starts boiling add the vermicelli (sewai).  Take care to put the  vermicelli (sewai) into hot, boiling water and leave it in the water for barely 30 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water and add 1/2 tbsp oil.

In a non stick pan or heavy bottom pan put 2 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves. When they start  crackling  add onions, ginger and green chilli. After a minute add the vegetables. Fry vegetables lightly. Add capsicum last so that it retains its crunch.  Season with turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Also add the sugar and lemon juice.  Mix in the boiled sewai and close flame. Cover and leave it for few minutes. The sewai will become soft and fluffy. Serve hot.

If you want you can boil the vegetables ( except capsicum) before using in the recipe.