Step 1: Prepare the Upma Mixture

In a bowl, combine 1 cup leftover upma, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 1 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp breadcrumbs, 3-4 finely chopped garlic cloves (optional), 1/4 tsp chili flakes, 1/4 tsp dried basil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to form a smooth, cohesive dough. If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more breadcrumbs until it reaches a firm consistency.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Mixture

Lightly grease a plate with oil. Transfer the prepared upma dough onto the greased plate and use a spoon to flatten it evenly into a square or rectangular shape. Place the plate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the mixture to set and firm up.

Step 3: Cut into Sticks

Once the upma mixture has set, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a knife, cut the flattened mixture into desired finger or stick shapes. The video demonstrates cutting it into rectangular sticks.

Step 4: Prepare the Maida Slurry

In a separate bowl, combine 2 tbsp maida (all-purpose flour) and 1/8 tsp salt. Gradually add water, mixing continuously with a spoon, until you achieve a thin, smooth slurry with no lumps. The consistency should be thin enough to coat the sticks lightly.

Step 5: Coat the Upma Sticks

Take each upma stick and dip it completely into the maida slurry, ensuring it is fully coated. Carefully lift the stick from the slurry and transfer it to a plate containing breadcrumbs. Coat the stick thoroughly with breadcrumbs, gently pressing them onto all sides to ensure a good adherence. Repeat this process for all the upma sticks.

Step 6: Shallow Fry the Sticks

Heat oil in a pan over a low to medium flame. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breadcrumb-coated upma sticks into the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry the sticks until they turn golden brown and become crispy on all sides, turning them gently with a spatula as needed to ensure even cooking. This should take approximately 5-8 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Once the upma cheese sticks are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the pan using a slotted spoon to drain any excess oil. Transfer them to a serving plate. Serve the hot, crispy sticks with your favorite dip, such as ketchup, or any other preferred accompaniment. Enjoy this delicious renovation of leftover upma!

• If the upma mixture feels too loose, add more breadcrumbs to achieve a firm, dough-like consistency.

• Garlic is optional; you can skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.

• Maintain a low to medium flame while frying to ensure the sticks cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy without burning.

• You can use oregano instead of dried basil for a different aromatic flavor.

• Instead of shallow frying, you can deep fry the sticks for extra crispiness or bake them in an oven for a healthier option.