Most kinds of rava /semolina sold contain additives or are treated with certain kinds of gases to prevent infestations and extend the shelf life. About 60 to 80 % of the nutrients are lost with in 3 to 5 days of grinding the grains to flour or rava. So consuming whole grains is always a better choice. I have grown up eating jowar roti almost daily since ragi and jowar are staple grains in our region. Making jowar roti regularly is not possible for me now since we are not accessible to fresh flour or a flour mill. So i try to include them whole. I make jowar dosa more often as it is very easy. This jowar upma is another one which i make though not very often, for the evening snack and sometimes for lunch. If you are trying to include jowar in your diet for the health benefits it provides, do try this upma. It is very easy, delicious and keeps your energy levels good for hours. It is suitable for those trying to lose weight, diabetics, gestational diabetics and even to kids as it contains a good amount of calcium and magnesium along with copper and iron.

How to make jowar upma – whole grain upma

  1. Wash jowar several times until water runs clear. You may need to rub them in between your palms. Add fresh water and soak for 8 to 12 hours. If soaking for over 8 hours, change the water after 6 to 8 hours. Soaking breaks the hard to digest fibers and increases the bio availability of nutrients.
  2. Drain up the water completely. Add fresh water and turmeric. Pressure cook for 3 whistles. 2 whistles on a medium flame and 1 whistle on a low flame.
  3. When the pressure goes off, fluff them up. With the amount of water i mentioned in the recipe card, there was no water left after pressure cooking. If it is left, then continue to cook and evaporate the left over water. Set this aside. Even after thoroughly cooking, they will be chewy but easy for digestion.
  4. Heat oil in a pan. Saute cumin and mustard. When they splutter, add urad dal and fry until golden.
  5. Add onions, chili and ginger.Saute until the onions turn soft.
  6. Add chopped veggies. I used potatoes, beans, peas and capsicum. You can add whatever you like.
  7. Cover and cook on a low heat until the veggies are soft cooked. If needed sprinkle little water and cook.
  8. Add salt and turmeric. Mix.
  9. Add the cooked jowar and coconut. You can skip coconut. But it adds taste and flavor.
  10. Saute for 1 to 2 mins. Add lemon juice and coriander leaves. Serve hot. It can be served alone or with papad or yogurt. If you are keen to try healthy whole grain recipes, you can take a look at these collectionsRagi recipesOats recipesQuinoa upmaQuinoa salad

Jowar upma recipe below