Ready in

30 mins

Cuisine

Indian · Maharashtrian

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

15 min

Serving

2-3 People

Difficulty

Easy

Calories / Serving

~380 kcal

Spicy Level

Recipe by Aai's Kitchen on YouTube
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Measurements
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All Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

  1. Prepare Spinach Puree

    Wash the spinach thoroughly and blend it in a mixer with a little water to make a fine puree. Set aside.

  2. Roast Semolina

    In a pan, add 0.5 teaspoon of ghee. Once melted, add 1 cup of coarse semolina. Roast on low flame for until it becomes fragrant and slightly warm, ensuring its color does not change. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

  3. Prepare Tempering

    In the same pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add 0.5 teaspoon mustard seeds, 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon urad dal, and 1 teaspoon chana dal. until the dals turn golden brown. Then add 2 tablespoons peanuts, 10-12 cashews, 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger, 2-3 chopped green chilies, and 1 sprig curry leaves. for a minute.

  4. Sauté Vegetables

    Add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons carrots, and 2 tablespoons peas to the pan. until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables are slightly tender, about .

  5. Combine with Semolina

    Add the roasted semolina back into the pan with the vegetables. Mix well on low flame for a minute, ensuring the semolina is thoroughly combined with the and vegetables.

  6. Add Flavorings and Spinach Puree

    Add 1 teaspoon sugar and salt to taste. Then, add 2 tablespoons yogurt and the prepared spinach puree. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the semolina is evenly coated with the green puree.

  7. Cook with Hot Water

    Pour 2.5 cups of hot water into the mixture. Stir continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and the water is mostly absorbed.

  8. Steam the Upma

    the flame to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the upma for . This allows the semolina to fully cook and become fluffy.

  9. Garnish and Serve

    Remove the lid, add 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves and 0.5 teaspoon of ghee (optional) for extra flavor. Mix gently. The upma is now ready to be served hot. You can mold it using a bowl for an appealing presentation.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start
Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.
View 5 swaps
  • No Ghee?

    • Unsalted butter (1:1)
    • Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
  • No Curry leaves?

    • 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
  • No Onion?

    • 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
    • 3 tbsp dried minced onion
    • Shallots or leeks (1:1)
  • No Yogurt?

    • Sour cream (1:1)
    • Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
  • No Cilantro?

    • Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
    • Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
AllergensThis recipe contains gluten and nuts and dairy.
glutennutsdairy

Variations

Simple ways to adapt this recipe.

  • Add other vegetables like bell peppersCustomise

    Green beans, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.

  • For a vegan optionDietary option

    Replace ghee with oil and yogurt with a plant-based alternative or skip it.

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

  • Cooking tipUse Coarse Semolina for a Better

    Granular texture in the upma.

  • TipAlways Use Hot Water to Cook the Upma

    As it helps the semolina absorb evenly and prevents lumps.

  • Cooking tipAdjust the Amount of Water

    Adjust the amount of water based on your desired upma consistency; more water for softer upma, less for a more crumbly texture.

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