Arisi Upma / Rice Upma Recipe: A Delicious South Indian Breakfast

Arisi Upma, also known as Rice Upma, is a popular and traditional South Indian breakfast dish that is both simple to prepare and highly nutritious. Made with rice, vegetables, and a flavorful tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices, this dish is perfect for a wholesome start to your day. It can also be served as a light lunch or dinner. Below is a detailed recipe to make Arisi Upma from scratch, along with some tips to customize it according to your preferences.

Ingredients

• Rice: 1 cup (use regular rice, not basmati)
• Water: 2 ½ cups (for cooking rice)
• Oil: 2 tablespoons (or ghee for a richer flavor)
• Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Urad Dal (split black gram): 1 teaspoon
• Chana Dal (split chickpeas): 1 teaspoon
• Dried Red Chilies: 2-3 (adjust to your spice level)
• Curry Leaves: 8-10 fresh leaves
• Green Chilies: 1-2, slit (optional)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato: 1 medium, chopped (optional)
• Carrot: 1 small, grated or finely chopped
• Peas: ¼ cup (fresh or frozen)
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated or finely chopped
• Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: to taste
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Coriander Leaves: for garnishing

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. In a pot or pressure cooker, add the rice and 2 ½ cups of water. Cook the rice. You can cook it in a regular pot by bringing it to a boil, covering, and simmering for about 10 minutes or use a pressure cooker for 1-2 whistles.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat oil or ghee in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
2. Add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the urad dal and chana dal. Stir fry until the dals turn golden brown.
3. Add dried red chilies, curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
4. Add the chopped onions and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes (if using) and cook until they soften, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the grated carrot and peas, then sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 3: Combine Rice with Tempering

1. Add turmeric powder and salt to the cooked vegetables and mix well.
2. Gently add the cooked rice to the pan, mixing it with the tempered vegetables. Stir carefully so that the rice does not break.
3. Adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary and let the rice heat through.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor, if desired.
2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Arisi Upma

• Rice Consistency: Make sure the rice is cooked well, but not mushy. Slightly separate grains work best for upma.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like beans, bell peppers, or potatoes to customize the dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies or red chilies according to your spice preference.
• Use of Ghee: Adding ghee instead of oil will enhance the flavor and make it richer.
• Optional Additions: For added flavor, you can sprinkle some roasted peanuts or cashews on top.

Conclusion

Arisi Upma is a comforting and nourishing dish that captures the essence of South Indian flavors. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare, while the combination of spices and vegetables adds depth and taste. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a light meal, this Rice Upma is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.