Quick and Easy Proso Millet Upma Recipe

Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast recipe that is usually prepared with semolina or coarse rice flour. Let’s give this age-old recipe a twist by replacing semolina with Proso millet.

Proso millet, also known as Chena in Hindi or broomcorn millet, is a nutritious and versatile grain that can be used in various recipes such as upma, porridge, pilaf, and even as a substitute for rice in dosa and idli. It is a good source of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, dietary fibre, protein, vitamins (particularly B vitamins), and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.

Let’s begin with a simple recipe for Proso Millet Upma:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Proso millet
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 red chilli
• Few curry leaves
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the Proso millet 2-3 times and discard the water.
2. Soak it for 4 hours in water. Drain the water completely.
3. In a pot, add a few teaspoons of oil and as the oil heats up, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and red chili. Sauté until they start to sizzle.
4. Add grated ginger, and curry leaves, and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add chopped onions, and sauté until they are translucent.
5. Now, add chopped tomatoes and mix well. Add the dry spices; red chili powder, and turmeric. Continue to stir well to cook the tomatoes completely.
6. Add vegetables of your choice. You can add carrots, green peas, and capsicum/bell peppers.
7. Add salt and mix thoroughly.
8. Now, add the soaked and drained millet. Add 2 cups of water. Stir well.
9. Close the lid of the pot and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes on low heat.
10. After 10 minutes, water is fully absorbed and millets become soft. If there is more moisture left in the upma, wait for a few more minutes before turning the heat off.
11. Add lemon juice and coriander leaves. And mix well and it is ready to serve.

Proso Millet Upma is a nutritious and flavourful dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a light, healthy meal. You can also customize it by adding your favourite vegetables and spices to suit your taste.