Pouring water to rava mixture ensures you will never get lumps, adding rava slowly to water is a time-consuming process
For softer consistency, I add ½ Cup extra water, you can stick to 1:2 ratio for a more bloomed upma consistency
If you have unroasted rava, add little ghee (1/2 Tbsp frou about ½ Kg rava) and slowly roast it at low temperatures till fragrant and goldem. Allow it to cool and store in an air-tight container
You can skip vegetables and turmeric and make a plain upma, reduce water slightly, rest of the process remains the same