Savory Cereal

[stellabella]

I was served Indian Savory Cereal for breakfast at a yoga retreat this weekend--it was warm and spicy, contained millet, sunflower seeds, onions, tomato, peppers. The consistency was divine, not thick like oatmeal but thinner, like a hearty soup. Topped with yogurt & cayenne powder.

I loved it. It was reheated and served again the next morning and was still delicious.

Does anyone know how to make this?

[Suvir Saran]

I am thinking Upuma... But it is not what you describe and yet very close.

Polly, Anil, Simon, Oliva, Spicegirldc, Ajay, and all others... what do you think of when thinking savory cereal?

Upuma? Or something else?

[stellabella]

thank you, suvir. i am so craving this cereal. i mean, i could try to make it but i'd be totally guessing. maybe you could guess for me--you'd be far more likely to get it right than i.

[anil]

I'm totally stumped. Millet based basics are predominantly in Rajasthan

some parts of Gujarat. This might be just a improvisation done to get

basic nutrients together.

[Suvir Saran]

thank you, suvir.  i am so craving this cereal.  i mean, i could try to make it but i'd be totally guessing.  maybe you could guess for me--you'd be far more likely to get it right than i.

But my guess would be all wrong..... since I never even tasted it.

I am guessing it is an Upuma you are speaking about.

Do you have any Indian cookbooks? Which ones? Maybe I can help you find a recipe.

Is it possible for you to ask the place where you ate this as to what cereal they are using. That would make it easier for me to start guessing a recipe.

And upuma is usually made with cream of wheat.

[ajay]

Suvir, has, as usual, already contributed anything that I might have been able to add.

As far as I know, upuma is maid with cream of wheat, and the consistency is often adjusted to taste. I personally prefer a consistency that is quite solid--a bit more so than oatmeal, though my grandmother prefers it a bit thinner.

Also, some people prefer to make their upuma with water instead of yogurt, which will also change the flavor. I personally prefer the addition of cashews and raisins, but hey Gujus are known for their sweet teeth

I have no experience with millet, so I can't comment on posible creations.

Speaking of savory cereal, something that I like to do on occasion is add milk to a bowl of cheevrah (seasoned rice flakes with peanuts raisins etc). I find the combination to be particularly enjoyable.