Masala Puffed Rice Upma

Masala Maramarala Upma.
Puffed rice is soaked in water till soft. Chopped vegetables are cooked in oil along with whole spices. A freshly ground spice mixture is prepared and added to the pan. Finally puffed rice is mixed in and finished with cilantro. Serve masala puffed rice upma as a breakfast or as a quick snack.
Makes: around 2 Servings of Masala Puffed Rice Upma
Ingredients:
Puffed Rice 2 1/2 Cups
Potato 1
Onion 1 Small
Green Chillies 1
Green Peas 3 Tbsps
Red Chili Powder 1/4 tsp
Cloves 1 – 2
Coriander Seeds Powder 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon 1/8 inch Stick
Star Anise 1/4 of One
Cilantro few Sprigs
Salt to taste
Talimpu:
Mustard Seeds 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1/4 tsp
Urad Dal 1/4 tsp
Broken Dried Red Chiles 3 – 4
Curry Leaves 5
Oil 2 tsps
Method of preparation:
Remove stems, wash and finely chop the green chillies.
Peel, wash and finely chop the potato.
Peel and finely chop the onion.
Wash the green peas and keep aside.
wash and finely chop the cilantro leaves.
Soak puffed rice in enough water for couple of seconds to half a minute.
Strain the puffed rice and keep aside.
Grind cloves, star anise and cinnamon into fine powder.
Heat oil in a pan on medium low heat, add all talimpu ingredients in order.
When mustard seeds start spluttering, add green chillies, ground spice powder, potato and onion.
Fry for a minute or two till onion is translucent and potato turns soft.
Stir in peas, puffed rice and salt.
Mix carefully and make sure all the excess moisture is gone (if any).
Stir in chopped cilantro and serve masala puffed rice upma as a breakfast or as a snack.
Notes: Don’t over soak the puffed rice.
Suggestions: If puffed rice is over soaked, then spread it on a kitchen towel and let it dry for couple of minutes before using it.
Variations: You can also add finely chopped green bell pepper, carrots etc..
Other Names: Masala Puffed Rice Upma, Masala Maramarala Upma.