Heat the water in a kettle or in the microwave until it is close to boiling hot
Meanwhile, heat a heavy bottomed saucepan and add the oil
Once the oil is heated, add the mustard seeds and cover until the seeds pop. When the mustard finishes popping , lower the fire and add urad dal, curry leaves and chilis. Give a quick stir and wait a minute until the dal turns golden.
Add the chopped onions and salt. Cook while stirring frequently until the onions turn translucent.
Next, add the vermicelli. Stir everything together for a few seconds until the onions are evenly distributed.
Add the hot water carefully and stir immediately to break up any lumps. Cook the uppit over low to medium fire until the water is fully absorbed. Avoid stirring too much at this stage. Once all the water is absorbed, adjust the salt if needed and turn off the fire.
Cover the saucepan and rest the uppit for 5 minutes. This will allow the vermicelli to finish cooking in the residual heat and fluff up a bit.
Uncover the saucepan, add the ghee, if using, and fluff up the uppit with a spatula. Garnish with fresh grated coconut, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.