Tomato Rava Bath ( தக்காளி ரவா பாத்)

Tomato Rava Bath
தக்காளி ரவா பாத்

Ingredients:
Rava / Semolina ( ரவை) - 2 cups
Ginger( இஞ்சி) - finely chopped 2 tsp
Green Chili ( பச்சை மிளகாய்) - 2
Onion ( வெங்காயம்) - 2 ( fine diced )
Tomato ( தக்காளி) - 3 or 4 depending on the size (finely chopped)
Green peas ( பச்சை பட்டாணி) - 1/2 cup
Curry leaves ( கறிவேப்பிலை) - 1 twig
Coriander leaves ( கொத்தமல்லி) - 2 twigs
Cashew nuts ( முந்திரிப்பருப்பு) - 7 to 8
Ghee/ Clarified Butter (நெய்) - 3 tbsp
Oil for cooking ( சமைப்பதற்கு எண்ணெய்)
Salt to taste ( தேவையான உப்பு)
Turmeric powder ( மஞ்சள்தூள்) - 1/2 tsp

For Seasoning : ( தாளிப்பதற்கு)
Mustard seeds ( கடுகு) - 1/2 tsp
Urad dhal ( உளுந்தபருப்பு) - 1/2 tsp
Channa dhal ( கடலை பருப்பு) - 1 tsp
Dry Red Chili ( காய்ந்த மிளகாய்) - 2 Nos.
Asafoetida (பெருங்காயம்) - 2 pinch

Steps:
In a heavy bottom pan or wok, heat ghee and roast cashew nuts , remove and keep aside.In the same ghee roast the semolina. With a medium flame, turn and toss the semolina until you get the roasted aroma.
Remove semolina and add 3 tbsp oil to the same wok.
Add the seasoning and as it cracks, add finely chopped ginger, curry leaves and slit green chili.
Saute well, throw in the chopped onions and then the tomatoes.
Let it cook well. Add 5 cups of water and the green peas. Add turmeric powder and  salt to taste.
Cover with a lid and let the water boil. After 3 or 4 minutes, slow down the flame, add the roasted semolina while stirring continuously. Bring flame to medium , cover and cook.
After 2 minutes, turn the semolina over to cook uniformly. Cover again. let is cook for a while.
Once done, switch of the flame, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and roasted cashew nuts.
Serve hot with coconut chutney.

My Notes:

Rava Upma or Kichadi / the Semolina spicy pudding is not  liked by many. Frowning face or remarks of displeasure can be seen / heard in many households when it is prepared for breakfast or dinner.

But the reverse will be with my family. Whether it is plain upma with onions alone or the kichadi with assorted vegetables like carrot, french beans, potato and peas thrown in or the tomato bath posted here..all hands up ;)) One of the favourite dish for dinner for all. 

In this recipe, green peas is added to give a contrast colour and a sweet bite here and there.

Roast the semolina well so as not to get small lumps while cooking. 

I regularly use 3 cups of water for 1 cup of semolina but some use 2 cups for that granular non sticky texture. But if you are using less water, make sure it doesn't go dry. May be a spoon or two of cooking oil will help. 

I have used two and a half cups of water for 1 cup of semolina as tomatoes are juicy and has water content. 

If your family likes it tangy, increase tomato by one. 

A tasty meal for lunch box for which pickle will be the perfect pair.

When eaten hot, coconut chutney is the best. 

Enjoy the tomato bath in your own way :)