Upma

Upma (Tamil), also known as "Uppindi" in Telugu and Uppittu in Kannada, is a wholesome Indian dish made of Wheat Rava.

Etymology

It is remarkable that in all the south Indian languages, the name of the dish has a similar etymology. The word "Uppu" means "Salt" in all these languages; the word for the dish derives from "Salt-and-flour" in all languages, thus:

Tamil - "Maava" means "flour" (of any kind); uppu+maav = Upma;
Telugu - ""Pindi" means "flour" (of any kind); uppu+pindi = Uppindi;
Kannada - "Hittu" (Old Kannada "Ittu") means "flour" (of any kind); uppu+ittu = Uppittu.

Preparation

There are many ways Upma is prepared; indeed, every south Indian lady will impart a small difference in flavour when making her Upma. This variation is obtained by varying or emphasising some particular spice, thereby making for variation. A typical recipe is included here:

Ingrediants

Cooking oil (1 tablespoons) Mustard seeds (1 teaspoon) Ginger root (Grated) Green chillies (chopped fine) Chopped onions (some people may omit this for cultural reasons) Vegetables of choice: Peas, carrots, eggplant, potatos, cauliflower, cabbage, Tomato may all be used Wheat Rava (Semolina) Salt to taste

Notes

Many factors influence the final product: apart from the creative use of spices, the quality of Rava used, the use of Neyyi (clarified butter) and grated coconut, the type and quantum of vegetables used, are all important.
While most recipes neglect to mention this, a healthy amount of vegetables is typically added during preparation; this is generally not mentioned because which vegetables are used depends on convenience and inclination of the housewife.
The Rava used for this must be the large-grained, as Upma prepared with fine Rava tends to become soggy.
Upma is known to be eaten with a variety of side-dishes like yogurt, Chutney, Sugar and Pickles.

Major Variations

Apart from Rava, Upma is widely made with Vermicelli and Cous-cous also. These dishes are sometimes not regarded as being Upma's, being known in many regions by other names. Recipes for these dishes are linked here:

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