Arisi Upma

Rice rava upma — broken raw rice (arisi rava, prepared by coarsely grinding raw rice) roasted in ghee until it turns slightly golden and nutty, then hot water added in a specific ratio and stirred rapidly until the rava absorbs all the liquid and forms a light, granular, fragrant porridge. Tempered with mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, dried red chilli, and a pinch of asafoetida in sesame oil; served with coconut chutney and pickle. Arisi upma has a completely different texture from the semolina rava upma — it is lighter, more individual in grain, and carries a rice-specific nuttiness. The Tamil Brahmin Sunday morning upma; made specifically when semolina upma feels too heavy.