Introduction: Add a burst of flavor to your breakfast table with our Millet Tomato Upma recipe. This South Indian classic gets a refreshing twist with the addition of tangy tomatoes and wholesome millets, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Join us as we explore the art of making this comforting and flavorful upma that’s perfect for starting your day on a delightful note.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup millet (any variety such as foxtail millet, little millet, or pearl millet)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
• 2-3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Millets:
   • Rinse the millets thoroughly under running water and drain well.
   • In a saucepan, combine the rinsed millets and water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the millets simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the millets are cooked through.
   • Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and fluff the millets with a fork. Set aside.
2. Cook the Upma:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet or kadhai over medium heat.
   • Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
   • Add the chopped onions, slit green chilies, and chopped ginger to the skillet. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
   • Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
   • Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Combine with Millets:
   • Once the tomatoes are cooked and the spices are fragrant, add the cooked millets to the skillet.
   • Mix everything together gently until well combined and the millets are coated with the tomato mixture.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the Millet Tomato Upma with fresh coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with a side of coconut chutney, pickle, or yogurt.
   • Optionally, serve with lemon wedges for an extra tangy kick.

Variations:

• You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or capsicum to make the upma more nutritious and colorful.
• For a protein boost, add cooked lentils, boiled chickpeas, or tofu cubes to the upma.
• Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preferences by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.

Nutritional Information: Millet Tomato Upma is a wholesome and nutritious dish that’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Millets provide complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients, while tomatoes offer vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene. This dish is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for breakfast or any meal of the day.

Conclusion: Millet Tomato Upma is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or a light meal. With its tangy tomato flavor, fluffy texture, and wholesome millets, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try making it at home and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite.