An Ode to the Humble Upma

 

Let’s talk of a popular South Indian dish
do pull up a chair and sit.
It’s Upma for the rest of the world
in Udupi we call it Uppit.

A wholesome meal or a light snack
it’s good for breakfast or dinner.
Floating in ghee or dry as a desert
either way it’s a sure winner.

A dish so versatile as this
you can take it down any path
chillies and salt make it the upma you know,
with sugar and nuts it’s Kesari Baath!

Did you know it could make or break relations
in marriage proposals of yore?
The blushing damsel had to serve it to all
when The Boy came to ‘see’ The Girl!

It doesn’t require too many ingredients
it’s easier than making a pie,
It’s the best thing to make when in a hurry
I think you should give it a try.

Roast the rava in a bit of ghee
for a few minutes keep it aside,
heat water, add salt and the rest of the spices
and the rava which is nicely fried.

You can serve it topped with coconut chutney
if that’s really your thing,
but don’t forget to add lemon juice
for that extra oomph and zing.

Some people love it while others may not
but if the case ever goes to court,
I have said all in defense of the Upma
let the jury be fair in its vote!

                            © Radhika Acharya