Halwai August 9, 2024

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Rawa (semolina)
• 1/2 cup brinjals, finely chopped (immerse in salted water)
• 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
• 4 green chillies, chopped
• 1 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 stalk Curry leaves
• 1 tsp grated Ginger
• 1/2 tsp Urad Dal (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Channa dal (optional)
• 1 tbsp Cashewnut pieces (optional)
• 1/2 tsp each cumin and Mustard Seeds
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 Lemon juice extracted
• 1litre water (approximate)
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• 1 tbsp oil

Method:

  1. Boil brinjal in fresh salted water, till it is soft but not mushy. Or microwave if desired. Keep aside.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy saucepan. Add cashew pieces, dals and allow it to become light golden.
  3. Add seeds and allow them to splutter.
  4. Add ginger, stir.
  5. Add onions, curry leaves and green chillies.
  6. Stir fry till onions are transparent.
  7. Add rawa. Stir, and roast on low, till aroma of rawa is exuded.
  8. Add salt, stir.
  9. Bring water to boiling.
  10. Add 3/4 water carefully, as it bubbles vigorously.
  11. Allow bubbles to subside, stirring gently with a large spoon.
  12. When well mixed, if it turns too lumpish, add remaining water.
  13. It must be like a very thick paste.
  14. Add drained brinjals, ghee, coriander and lemon juice.
  15. Stir to mix evenly.
  16. Cover and simmer for 2 minutes.
  17. Serve hot.
  18. For decorative effect:
  19. Grease a steel or other cup on the inside with ghee.
  20. Press upma in it till it fills the brim.
  21. Invert into an individual plate.
  22. Place a thin slice of ripe tomato over it.
  23. Serve hot.

Recipe courtesy of Saroj Kering