Kothamalli Rava Upma Recipe (Coriander Semolina Pudding)
This vibrant South Indian dish, Kothamalli Rava Upma, is a delightful variation of the traditional Upma. Featuring the aromatic and fresh flavor of coriander leaves, it combines the goodness of semolina (sooji or rava) with a perfect blend of spices to create a savory, hearty, and flavorful breakfast. Served with coconut chutney and banana date smoothie, it’s an ideal meal to start your day with energy and satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Kothamalli Rava Upma
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chilli (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Hot Water | 3 cups |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | 6 sprigs |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch |
| Green Chilli (chopped) | 1 |
Instructions for Making Kothamalli Rava Upma
-
Prepare the Kothamalli Paste:
To begin the Kothamalli Rava Upma recipe, the first step is to prepare the coriander paste. In a mixer or blender, add the coriander leaves, green chillies, and ginger. Grind everything together into a smooth paste, adding a little water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency. Set this aside. This will be your Kothamalli paste, which imparts a fresh, aromatic flavor to the upma. -
Prepare the Hot Water Base:
In a saucepan, heat 3 cups of water along with salt and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow the water to simmer while you prepare the other ingredients. -
Roast the Semolina (Sooji):
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and black urad dal (split). Allow them to roast until the urad dal turns a light brown color and the mustard seeds begin to splutter. This releases a wonderful aroma and adds depth of flavor to the upma. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the curry leaves, chopped onions, and chopped green chillies to the pan. Sauté the mixture for a few minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent. This creates a fragrant base for the upma, with the spices and onions blending together beautifully. -
Roast the Sooji:
Once the onions are softened, add the semolina (sooji) to the pan. Roast the semolina gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the semolina begins to release a slightly roasted aroma, indicating it’s ready to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. -
Add the Kothamalli Paste and Hot Water:
Stir in the prepared Kothamalli paste into the pan. The green paste will infuse the dish with a rich coriander flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Gradually pour in the simmering hot water while stirring continuously. This ensures the semolina cooks evenly and absorbs the water slowly without forming lumps. -
Simmer and Cook:
Continue stirring until all the water has been absorbed by the semolina and the upma reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the water is fully absorbed, stir in the lemon juice to add a touch of tanginess that balances the flavors. -
Final Adjustments:
Once the upma has cooked, turn off the heat. Taste the upma and adjust the salt if necessary, based on your preferences. -
Serve:
Your delicious Kothamalli Rava Upma is ready to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for an added burst of freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestion:
For a wholesome and satisfying South Indian breakfast, serve the Kothamalli Rava Upma with a side of South Indian Coconut Chutney and a Banana Date Smoothie for a nutritious, balanced meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Potassium | 150mg |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
| Calcium | 30mg |
Notes:
- Sooji (Semolina) is the key ingredient in Upma, and it is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the day.
- Coriander leaves in the Kothamalli paste not only add a burst of color but are also packed with antioxidants and digestive benefits.
- This dish can be adjusted to suit your spice level by adding more or fewer green chillies according to your taste.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) while roasting the semolina.
- To make the dish even more hearty, feel free to toss in some peas, carrots, or other vegetables of your choice.
With its simple yet flavorful profile, Kothamalli Rava Upma is a delightful dish that brings a taste of South India right to your table. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast or a light snack, this dish offers a satisfying and nutritious option that everyone will love. Enjoy!
