Rice Vermicelli Noodles

A South-Indian noodle breakfast

Pasta and noodles are an essential part of all cuisines around the world. With different names, forms, ingredients and style of cooking, noodles are one of the first found foods of the human race. Noodle pasta is especially prominent in the Asian countries. I would however, not comment on whether rice or noodle is staple. A particular type of long, thin pasta is the 'vermicelli'. It is a slightly thinner version of spaghetti and primarily a rice noodle in part of the Indian subcontinent. It is known by local names such as 'Sevai' or 'Semiya' in India and is quite common in Indian kitchens. A variety sweet and savory dishes are made in different styles across the country. 'Upma' is one such variant which is healthy breakfast option in households. The Indian culinary scene does have a plethora of breakfast options that do not even remotely include bread and butter. 

Here is a recipe of a simple rice vermicelli 'upma' cooked in traditional South-Indian style.

THE RECIPE

Category: Breakfast / Brunch

Style: South-Indian

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

 - 2 cups rice vermicelli noodles, broken

 - 2 green chilies, finely chopped

 - 1 cup onion,  finely chopped

 - 1/4 cup green peas

 - 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped

 - 1/4 cup potato, finely chopped

 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

 - 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, optional

 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, optional

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 - salt to taste

 - 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan and add oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle.

2. To this, add the green chilies and onions and cook until they are translucent.

3. Add all the other chopped vegetables and cook for 5-8 minutes until almost half cooked. Keep stirring to avoid burning them.

4. Add 3 cups of water to the pan, salt and turmeric powder. Let the vegetables get cooked in the water for about 7 minutes.

5. Add to the boiling stew, the rice vermicelli and mix thoroughly. Cover the pan and cook for 8 minutes.

6. Remove the lid and cook the noodles for 2 minutes, slightly tossing it in the pan.

7. Switch off the heat and add the lemon juice on top for flavor.

8. Garnish it with coconut and serve hot. Alternatively, serve it with coconut chutney or a favorite condiment.

Notes:

 - It is a good idea to dry roast the vermicelli before cooking it.

Happy Eating! :)