Savory Semolina Loaf

There have been bookmarked recipes over the years that I have tried and loved so much that they have become a permanent part of my repertoire. This savory semolina loaf which is dubbed as upma loaf in my home is one such recipe that I have been making for nearly a decade now. It is my go to bread when I am packing snacks for our road trips. It is like upma served as slices and can be a great 'to go' snack for savory food lovers without all the mess or need of cutlery. 

Fine or regular variety semolina can be used here without toasting. Today I used roasted variety which was closer to the one called in India as bansi rava. Other finely chopped vegetables like green beans and capsicum can be added as well. I omitted onions in this particular loaf and accidentally switched the quantities of water and yogurt. The bread with the yogurt quantity mentioned below usually yields me more porous bread.

Ingredients:
1 cup semolina
1 cup yogurt
1/4 cup water (or more)
1 tsp. salt 
2 pinches of ground turmeric
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 tsp. baking soda
Sesame seeds (optional)
For seasoning:
2 tbsp. oil
1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. grated ginger
1 finely chopped spicy green chillie
Few curry leaves, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
1 grated carrot
A handful of green peas

Directions:
* Preheat the oven to 375 deg F. Grease a mini loaf pan.
* Combine the semolina, yogurt, water, salt, turmeric and cilantro in a mixing bowl and keep it aside.
* Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds. When they start to pop and sizzle add grated ginger, chilies, curry leaves and vegetables. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently. Turn off the stove. Pour this seasoning mixture into the semolina bowl and mix well to combine. Add extra water if the batter appears too thick.
* Finally add in the baking soda and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle white sesame seeds evenly over the top of the batter.
* Place in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean, about 35 to 40 minutes.
* Remove from the oven and let cool a bit before slicing.

It goes to Bakeathon event.


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