Basic Upma

Makes about 2 servings
This is a dish that is very basic in Indian cuisine. But it doesnt hurt to post the recipe. :) For starters this may be a good guide though.

• In a pan heat 3 tsp of oil and season it with 1 tsp of mustard seeds
• When the seeds crackle, add 1 tbsp of channa dhal, 1tsp of urid dhal, 1 tsp of cumin seeds, 1 spring of curry leaves, very little hing
• Add 3 small pieces of ginger (diced), 1 tbsp of raw peanuts (peeled) and/or 5 cashews broken into bits and roast them all without browning
• Add 1 medium red onion finely chopped and saute until translucent. Do not brown them
• Add 3 cups of water
• Add 1tsp of salt. (You may adjust salt per taste - it must be slightly salty)
• Stir well and let the water come to a boil. It may take about 4 mins or so
• Add cilantro leaves to the pan
• Now in one hand keep stirring the water in circular motion while you slow and steadily pour 3/4th cup of Upma Rava ( need not roast - you may roast beforehand if you wish)
• The upma rava must be poured slowly like rain drizzling and you have to be continuously stirring to avoid lumps
• Keep stirring the upma until most of the water evaporates
• Add 1tsp of oil at the end and stir couple more times
• Serve hot with chutney or sambar
• Tips: Keep some hot water handy so if the water is not enough while you pour the rava in, you may add little by little. Same way keep some rava too handy if water is more. But the ratio given in this recipe is precise.