Ask me about an easiest, quick breakfast to whip up in around 15 mts. I’d say “atukula upma” without hesitation. “Atukulu” also called as poha or rice flakes is nothing but rice dehusked and beaten flat to make small flakes. Have it as breakfast or as an evening snack over a hot cup of tea, no matter what time of the day you eat, it tastes delicious. Oh! and its a perfect dish that can be enjoyed in your lunch box too. Lets take a peek at how we cook this:

Ingredients:

2 cups Atukulu/Rice flakes

 3 – 4 Tbsp Cooking Oil

2 Tbsp Peanuts

1 tsp  Mustard seeds (Avalu)

1 tsp Cumin seeds/Jeera

1 tsp  Split Urad dal (minapappu)

1 tsp  Channa dal (pachi senagapappu)

 1 pinch Asafoetida/Hing (optional)

 1 sprig Curry leaves

1 medium Onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup chopped)

Salt to taste

 1 tsp Turmeric powder

 2 tsp Chilli powder/ 2 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice levels)

Juice of 1 big lemon (about 4 tbsp) (adjust if you need more)

 To soak atukulu you need:

• A big bowl of hot water. (I use the hot water that comes out of our tap. That heat should be sufficient enough)

How To:

• Take a big bowl of hot water (about 6 cups). Add atukulu to water, mix gently and leave it for 5 mts to soak.
•  After 5 mts, drain atukulu in a strainer so that all the water is discarded and leave it aside while you chop and fry onions. Do not press or squeeze the atukulu with hands.
•  Take a deep pan/kadhai, heat oil. On medium flame, add peanuts and fry for 2-3 mts or till the peanuts are toasted. Take care not to burn them.
•  Add avalu, jeera, and let them splutter. Add minapappu, and chana dal. Fry for for a minute or till the dals turn light golden brown in color. Add hing powder and fry for a few seconds.
• Add curry leaves, chopped onions, salt and turmeric. Fry on medium flame for about 5 mts till the onions turn soft and then add chilli powder. Mix well.
•  Add drained atukulu to the fried onions and mix gently to coat with the spices and onions. Adjust salt and chilli powder if required.
•  Turn the flame to low and allow to cook for 2 mts. Just before turning off the heat, add lemon juice and mix gently. Taste the mixture; adjust seasonings (salt, chilli powder or lemon juice) if required.
•  Serve hot over a cup of tea.