Delicious Savory Cream of Wheat Breakfast Recipe
Start your day off with this healthy and hearty Indian cream of wheat recipe. It’s nutty, flavorful, and light on the tummy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream of wheat , (sooji or semolina or farina)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup cashews, raw
- 2 tablespoons black mustard seeds
- 4 or 5 curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon chana, split pea lentils, (optional)
- 1 tablespoon urad, split black lentils, (optional)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- ½ inch ginger, grated
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro or coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Thai chili or jalapenos, chopped, (optional)
- Lime slices, for garnish
Instructions
- If using split pea lentils, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- If using urad dal lentil, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add cream of wheat and dry roast, stirring often until fragrant and a bit crisp. Put in a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- After 1 minute or so, once the oil is heated, add cashews, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, and let sizzle for 30 seconds or so.
- If using lentils, go ahead and add to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- To the mixture, add the onions, ginger, and peas, and cook for another minute or so.
- Go ahead and add the garam masala and salt and cook until you start to get a light brown color.
- Add water to the mixture and let it come to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat and add the cream of wheat; while doing so, begin to stir the mixture quickly and vigorously until everything starts to look runny without any lumps.
- Cover the mixture and let it steam for about 5 minutes. I like mine to be on the drier side but feel free to cook until your desired consistency.
- Turn off the heat and take off the lid.
- Add lime juice, cilantro, and chilies (if using) and garnish with slices of lime.
Pro Tips & Meal Prep Ideas
- Although this dish is delicious hot, it is also great as leftovers. Feel free to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with a wet paper towel until heated through in the microwave or steam oven.
- Feel free to use cream of wheat, rava, or farina to make this dish. Whichever is easily accessible for you.
- I definitely recommend using lentils in this recipe as they provide additional protein and fiber.
- Want a mildly sweet and nutty flavor, finish off this dish with some shredded coconut flakes.
- For a sweet, fruity, and chewy taste, throw some raisins in here.
- My family loves to eat this with ketchup on the side or with a hot cup of Indian Chai.
- If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Curried Flattened Rice Poha!