Ridge Gourd Upma

Step 1: Roast Semolina

In a pan, add 1 cup of semolina (rava). Dry roast it on medium flame for 5-7 minutes until it turns light golden and aromatic. Transfer the roasted semolina to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Fry Cashew Nuts

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add 5-6 cashew nuts and fry until they turn golden brown. Remove the fried cashews and set them aside for garnish.

Step 3: Prepare Tempering

In the remaining oil, add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of urad dal, and a few curry leaves. Sauté until the mustard seeds splutter and the urad dal turns golden.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Add 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger and 2 chopped green chillies to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Sauté Onion and Ridge Gourd

Add 1 chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add 1 cup of chopped ridge gourd and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix all the ingredients well.

Step 6: Cook Ridge Gourd

Cover the pan with a lid and cook the ridge gourd on low flame for 5 minutes until it softens.

Step 7: Add Water and Boil

Pour 2 cups of water into the pan and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 8: Incorporate Semolina

Gradually add the roasted semolina to the boiling water while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 9: Cook Upma

Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and all the water is absorbed, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 10: Add Ghee and Coriander

Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves to the cooked upma. Mix everything well.

Step 11: Add Lime Juice

Squeeze 1 teaspoon of lime juice over the upma and gently mix it in.

Step 12: Serve

Transfer the upma to a bowl, press gently to shape it, and then invert it onto a serving plate. Garnish with the previously fried cashew nuts and serve hot.

• Roast the semolina well until aromatic for a better texture and flavor.

• Stir continuously while adding semolina to avoid lumps.

• Adjust green chilies according to your spice preference.

• Add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans for more nutrition.

• Replace ridge gourd with bottle gourd or zucchini for a different flavor profile.