Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Roast Semolina

   Add 1 cup of semolina to a pan. Dry roast on medium flame for 3-4 minutes, continuously stirring with a spatula until it turns aromatic and slightly golden. Transfer the roasted semolina to a plate and set aside.

2. 2.Fry Cashew Nuts

   Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Once hot, add a few cashew nuts and fry them until they turn golden brown. Remove the fried cashews from the pan and set aside for garnish.

3. 3.Prepare Tempering

   In the remaining oil, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of urad dal. Sauté until the mustard seeds splutter and the urad dal turns light golden, about 30-60 seconds.

4. 4.Add Aromatics

   Add a few curry leaves and 1 teaspoon of chopped ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5.Sauté Vegetables

   Add 2 chopped green chillies and 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes.

6. 6.Cook Ridge Gourd

   Add 1 cup of finely chopped ridge gourd and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium flame for 5 minutes until the ridge gourd softens.

7. 7.Boil Water

   Remove the lid. Pour 2 cups of water into the pan with the cooked vegetables. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

8. 8.Add Roasted Semolina

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

9. 9.Cook Upma

   Continue stirring the mixture on low to medium flame. The semolina will absorb the water and thicken, forming the upma. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the upma is cooked through.

10. 10.Finish with Ghee and Coriander

    Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves to the upma. Mix well to incorporate the ghee and coriander, ensuring even distribution.

11. 11.Serve Hot

    Transfer the prepared Ridge Gourd Upma to a serving bowl. Garnish with the fried cashew nuts. Serve hot.