Have it for breakfast or as a meal, semiya upma is a popular snack in South India. You can add any veggies you like and it ends up as a wholesome and nutritious meal in itself. Serve it with a little pickle on the side and it tastes delicious. Here is my version of vermicelli upma.

Ingredients

2 cups vermicelli or semiya
1 medium size onion chopped
1/2 cup of grated carrots
1/2 cup of succotash mix (from your grocer's freezer - combination of lima beans and corn)
1 tsp of mustard seeds
1 tsp of channa dal
3-4 green chillies (adjust according to taste)
Few curry leaves
2-3 tsps of oil
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Method

1. Saute the semiya until brown. You can also spread on a microwave safe plate and microwave for about 2 minutes. Remember to add 1 tsp of oil to the semiya. Once done, set the semiya aside.
2. Pour oil in a pan and season with mustard seeds and channa dal.
3. Add curry leaves and green chillies and sauté.
4. Next transfer the chopped onions and sauté until transparent.
5. Then add the carrots and succotash mix and cook until soft.
6. Add water (for one cup of semiya you need 2 cups of water) and salt and let it come to a boil.
7. Once the water comes to a boil, add the fried semiya and reduce heat to medium.
8. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes or until all the water dries out.
9. Garnish with coriander and serve hot.