1) Add 1 cup of quick cooking oats to a non-stick pan over medium heat.
2) Stir and mix constantly for 5 minutes until the oats become dry and crisp.
PRO TIP: No need to brown or roast the oats, you should just be removing the moisture.
3) Remove the oats from the pan and set aside for later.
1) In a large pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp oil. And 1 tsp of mustard seeds. Stir and heat until the mustard seeds sputter and crackle.
2) Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 tsp urad dal, and 8-10 cashews.
3) Sauté for 1 minute.
4) Add 1/4 cup of tightly packed, finely chopped onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
5) Add 1/2 tsp finely chopped ginger, 1-2 chopped green chilis, and 7-8 curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
6) Add 3/4 cup mixed frozen vegetables. Sauté for 2 minutes.
PRO TIP: Using frozen mixed veggies saves a lot of time! Feel free to use whatever veggies you love, fresh or frozen.
1) Add 3/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp turmeric, a pinch of salt (to taste) and mix well.
2) After the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
3) Sprinkle the toasted oats over the top of the vegetables and mix thoroughly but gently.
PRO TIP: Are your oats too dry? Add a sprinkle of water to help thoroughly steam the oats.
4) Cover the pan with a lid and continue to steam on the lowest heat setting for 8 minutes.
5) Remove the lid, mix well, and serve hot.
6) Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon.
7) Pair Oats Upma with Coconut Chutney for a delicious and healthy breakfast!