Arisi Upma - Spicy Rice Rava Upma from Tamil Nadu
Arisi Upma is a simple recipe made of rice rava that also has some tuvar dal. It is spiced with pepper, cumin,coconut, and red chillies. The result is a wonderfully spicy dish that can be eaten as a snack or as a meal by itself.
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cups Rice
- 1/2 Cup Tuvar Dal
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Grated Coconut
- 1 tbsp Udad Dal
- 1 tbsp Chana Dal
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 3 or 4 Red Chillies
- 2 Large Pinches Asafoetida or Hing
- 1 + 1 tbsp Coconut Oil + Sesame Oil - 1 tbsp Substitute 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 4.5 Cups Water
- A Few Curry Leaves
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
Method to Make the Rava for Arisi Upma
- Mix the rice, tuvar dal, pepper, and cumin seeds.
- Grind or pulse them together to a coarse powder.
Method to Make Arisi Upma
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or tava.
- Add the coconut+sesame oil or cooking oil.
- Add the mustard seeds and wait till they splutter.
- Add the udad dal and chana dal.
- Fry till golden brown.
- Turn down the heat.
- Add split red chillies, asafoetida and curry leaves.
- Stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Add 4.5 cups of water.
- Over medium heat, heat till the water starts to simmer.
- Add salt and grated coconut.
- While stirring constantly, add the spiced rice rava.
- Mix well.
- Cover and cook well while stirring every few minutes. The Arisi Upma is done when all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- Serve the Arisi Upma hot by itself or with Kathirikai Gojju (Brinjal Gotsu).
Notes
Do try to make Arisi Upma in the Coconut+Sesame Oil. These oils lend a unique flavour.
Do ensure that you cook this over medium flame, otherwise the water will evaporate but the Arisi Upma will remain raw.
If you need more water, use a little hot water at a time. Too much water and it will turn gluggy.
Mix it regularly so that the Upma does not stick to the bottom and burn.