The UPMA Chronicles

"Listen, I am almost done with everything, what do you want for the breakfast."

This is a basic conversation I have with my husband most mornings. And I bet that I am not the only person who does so.

There is one fact that exists among all the South indian house with ladies, kids and husband's running around in the mornings or lazing around on a weekend night. There is always one savior when it comes to making something super fast and super yummy... 'Upma'!!

Sizzled with a 'popu', flavored with ginger and curry leaves, spiced with green chillies and lots of onions, is our beloved upma. You can chose any of the final ingredient amongst 'Bombay rava, semiyaan or dalia. Health conscious? Try oats Upma. It is equally good. Like my it is said,' 'Upma is tastier when it is healthier'.

Upma in southern household is a staple, no matter what day it is. I remember waiting for days when it was made for all of us. It is a life saver for people running late. It is the only closest thing to the south Indians living in abroad who just can't junk any more sandwiches or a bagel.

Upma is such a small word but it is devoured in so my ways across the globe. In weddings, it is made with tomatoes and turmeric added to the same set is recipe. Serve with coconut chutney and voila!! It is just something else.

Imagining it in your head?? Now imagine this as well. 20 people in the house and you have to cook something for them, and your answer is right there. Make Upma for all of them, add some cashews in it just give the royalty stature to our dear friend in plate and add ghar ka ghee.

It is fast, yummy and good enough to fill your tummy for more than couple of hours. When kids grow up and start living alone, I bet it is the first thing that they would want to try and many of us have done it already.

Roast the rava first or pour it directly into the boiling water, It is just the same and amazing. What I always look out for are those lumps. They are just the ones which could ruin your awesome recipe. An Upma has so many ways of eating is simply, the most amazing tiffin that we have on our list.

No matter what I make, paratha, Maggi, poha and God knows what not, I will always have this special place for my Upma.

No matter where you are Upma makes your day complete and we'll be satisfied. I just know that no matter how my years pass away Upma will always be there in the list of 'tiffin for the day!'