Poha Upma

Difficulty Rating 2 (Special Ingredients needed)

2 cups Atukulu/Rice flakes
3 Tbsp Cooking Oil
2 Tbsp Peanuts
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Split Urad dal (optional)
1 tsp Channa dal (optional)
1 pinch Asafoetida/Hing (optional)
1 sprig Curry leaves
1 medium Onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup chopped)
Salt to taste
½ tsp Turmeric powder
½ tsp Chilli powder or 2 green chillies, finely chopped
2-3 tsp Lemon juice

• 1. Take a big bowl of hot tap water (about 6 cups). Add atukulu to water, mix gently and leave it for 5 mts to soak.
2. After 5 mts, drain atukulu in a strainer and leave it aside. Do not press or squeeze the atukulu with hands.
3. Heat oil. Add peanuts and fry for 2-3 mts or till the peanuts are toasted. Take care not to burn them.
4. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add urad dal, and chana dal. Fry for for a minute or till the dals turn light golden brown in color. Add hing powder and fry for a few seconds.
5. Add curry leaves, chopped onions, salt and turmeric. Fry on medium flame for about 5 mts till the onions turn soft and then add chilli powder. Mix well.
6. Add drained atukulu to the fried onions and mix gently to coat with the spices and onions. Adjust salt and chilli powder if required.
7. Turn the flame to low and allow to cook for 2 mts. Just before turning off the heat, add lemon juice and mix gently.
8. Serve hot.