Atukula Upma

Atukulu (Telugu) aka flattened/beaten rice is known by a variety of names: Aval (Tamil and Malayalam), Avalakki (Kannada), Poha (Hindi), Pohe (Marathi). Preparation and cooking of this upma will not take more than 15 minutes. I learned this dish from amma. She used to prepare it for our evening snacks.

Ingredients

Atukulu (Poha): 2 cups

Onion: 1; finely chopped

Green Chilli: 3; finely chopped

Dry Red Chilli: 2 (Optional)

Peanuts: 1/2 cup (Optional)

Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon

Lemon Juice: 1 - 2 tablespoons (Optional)

Salt: as per taste

Oil: 1 tablespoon

Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon

Cumin Seeds: 1/4 teaspoon  (Optional)

Urad Dal: 1/2 teaspoon

Chana Dal: 1/2 teaspoon

Curry Leaves: 1 twig

Coriander Leaves: 1 tablespoon finely chopped leaves



Instructions

1. Wash, drain and soak atukulu for 3 – 5 minutes. Drain again and Squeeze excess water by hand.

2. Heat oil in a heavy bottom wok. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and add the curry leaves, dals and peanuts. Saute till dals turn brown.

3. Add chopped onion and sauté till transparent. Add the chillis and saute for a minute.

4. Add turmeric powder and saute for few seconds. Add soaked atukulu, salt and combine well. Make sure there are no lumps.

5. Add chopped coriander leaves and lemon juice. Combine well. Remove from heat and serve hot.