Tomato Cucumber Upma with Mint

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and light upma featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a hint of mint for a vibrant, summery breakfast. This indian-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Semolina (sooji), Water, (finely chopped) Tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup semolina with 2 cups water, mixing until evenly moistened. Let rest for 5 minutes to absorb the water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1/4 tsp mustard seeds, and cook until they splutter (30 seconds).
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped green chili, and 1/4 cup curry leaves. Sauté for 2 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften and release moisture.
  5. Step 5: Add the semolina mixture (with absorbed water) and 1 tsp salt to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is dry and crumbly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato Cucumber Upma with Mint take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tomato Cucumber Upma with Mint?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep semolina (sooji) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato Cucumber Upma with Mint?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tomato Cucumber Upma with Mint for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Tomato Cucumber Upma with Mint vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes