Bajra Upma Recipe

Ingredients:

• 60 grams  bajra grains or bajra rava
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, tomatoes, coriander leaves, capsicum, cabbage, etc.)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using bajra grains, dry roast them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until aromatic. Allow them to cool, then grind them into a coarse powder using a blender or food processor. If using jowar rava, skip this step.
2. Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
3. Incorporate curry leaves, chopped onion, and green chili. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
4. Add the chopped mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they become slightly tender.
5. Season with salt and add 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the ground bajra powder or bajra rava while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
7. Thoroughly combine the ingredients and cover the pan. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the jowar grains are cooked and the upma reaches a thick and porridge-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.
8. Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
9. Serve the Bajra Upma hot, accompanied by a side of coconut chutney or pickle. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over it, if desired.

Enjoy the wholesome and nutritious Bajra Upma!