Broken Wheat Upma (Nurukku Gothambhu Upma)

Ingredients

• Broken wheat (nurukku gothambhu) - 1 cup
• Shallots - 5 whole
• Bengal gram dal (kadala parippu) - 1/2 tsp
• Carrot - 1 whole
• Ginger - 1 piece
• Green chili - 1 whole
• Curry leaves - 1 whole
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Oil
• Water - 2 1/2 cup
• Salt

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the broken wheat under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain and set it aside so it is ready to use.
2. 2Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat until it shimmers.
3. 3Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add the Bengal gram dal and fry until it turns golden brown, watching carefully so it does not burn.
4. 4Add the shallots and sauté until they begin to soften and brown, then stir in the chopped ginger, chopped green chili, chopped carrot, and curry leaves; cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly tender.
5. 5Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and add salt to taste, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
6. 6When the water comes to a boil, stir in the drained broken wheat and mix thoroughly so the grains are evenly distributed.
7. 7Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the broken wheat is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. 8Turn off the heat, fluff the upma with a fork, and let it rest briefly so the texture settles before serving.
9. 9Optional: sprinkle a little sugar for children or serve with chutney or yogurt as an accompaniment.