Godhumai Ravai Upma (Broken/Cracked Wheat Upma)

     Broken wheat / Cracked Wheat / Dalia / Godhumai Ravai  is a nutritious way of consuming wheat as this is not polished. It does not lose out on any of the nutrients which are generally found in whole wheat. Broken wheat serves as a good source of our regular requirement of magnesium and fiber, low in calories and is loaded with nutrients.
     It is high in fiber, a nutrient that offers significant protection against cancer.This contributes to maintaining a healthy body weight. It lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, reduces the risk of high cholestrol & cardiovascular disease & high blood pressure when consumed regularly. 
     During childhood days, I never used to have a liking for this item in any form - be it in upma or sweetend or salted kanji. The only form I liked it was in Payasam/ Kheer prepared with coconut milk :P  I used to dread this upma & call it as "Mann Upma" in Tamil as it resembles sand particles :D But the aversion has now completely changed and we have it once in a week for breakfast. Trying to include it in Kanji, in salads & in other forms too. 
     Now over to the recipe !!!

Cook Time: 25 mins || Serves: 3 ||  Category: Breakfast

Ingredients:
1. Coconut Oil - 1 tbsp
2. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
3. Bengal gram (Kadalai Paruppu) - 2tsp
4. Curry leaves - 1 sprig
5. Ginger - 2tsp finely chopped
6. Hing (Asafoetida) - 2tsp
7. Red Chillies - 2
8. Salt - as required
9. Grated coconut - 3tbsp
10. Broken Wheat (Godhumai Ravai) - 1 cup
Method: 
1. Heat coconut oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter add bengal gram, ginger, red chillies, hing & curry leaves and saute in medium flame till bengal gram turns golden brown. Now add 3 cups of water and bring it to boil.

2. Add grated coconut and required salt to the boiling water and cook for a min. Then add a cup of wheat rava with constant stirring.

3. Stir well and make sure there are no lumps. Cook covered for about 5-7 mins. 

4. Check for the doneness & if required add one more cup of water and adjust the salt level and cook for 3-5 mins until the rava has got completely cooked. 

Suggestions: 

• From the time I remember, we had been using coconut oil for this dish, as it renders a unique aroma. Any other oil can also be used. 
• Can also add vegetables like carrot, beans, peas etc.

This can be served with any chutney or simply with sugar. I had it with idly milagai podi. !!!