Oats and Vegetable Upma

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon ghee or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
5-6 curry leaves
1 green chili, chopped finely (optional)
1 small onion, finely diced
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
1/4 cup green beans, chopped
1/4 cup green peas
2 tablespoons diced capsicum
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt as per taste
1 1/2 cups water
1-2 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves chopped (for garnish)
Lemon juice (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Oats:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the oats until fragrant. Remove from heat and keep aside.

2. Prepare the Base:
Heat the ghee or olive oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Add the green chilli and curry leaves, and simmer for a few minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook the Vegetables:
Sauté the chopped onion until it turns transparent. Stir in the carrots, beans, peas, and capsicum, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

4. Incorporate Spices and Liquid:
Sprinkle the turmeric powder and salt over the vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly. After adding the water, bring it to a boil.

5. Combine with Oats:
Gradually stir the roasted oats into the boiling water. Mix well to prevent clumping. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats soak up the water and the upma achieves a soft texture.

6. Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and add a dash of lemon juice for extra flavor, if desired. Enjoy your healthy and filling upma while it’s warm.