Indian Style Savory Oats – Oats Upma

These savory oats make for a perfect breakfast –  they’re easy, quick, flavorful and above all, healthy and nutritious. Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which gives a feeling of fullness and satisfaction and balances blood sugar. These Indian style savory oats have all the benefits and nutrition that is inherent to oats. Beta-glucan, the soluble fiber found in oats, also promotes heart health and boosts immunity. This is a healthy, nutritious savory dish that will keep you full and get your day off to a great start.

This recipe comes to us from Vaishali Sharda of The Kitchen Docs.

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Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves leaves stripped
• 1/2 cup sliced onion optional
• 1 cup frozen carrots and peas
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Salt to taste
• Water

Directions:

1. Start with soaking the oats in sufficient water. This step is not necessary but I feel like it cuts down the cooking time substantially. You can soak them for the duration when the recipe calls for them, so 5-6 minutes. If you soak them longer, the oats might get soggy.

2. Set a heavy bottomed pan on medium high heat and add olive oil to it. Once the oil is hot and shiny, add the mustard seeds and curry leaves. Stand back as the curry leaves might splutter and mustard seeds will start to pop.

3. After about 30 seconds, add the onions (if using), carrots and peas and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Drain the oats and add to the pan along with turmeric powder and salt. Add about 1.5 cups of water. If you like your oats a bit mushy, you can add 2 cups water. Mix well. Once the water starts to boil, lower the heat and cook, uncovered for about 8-9 minutes or until the oats are tender. Keep stirring in between.

4. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Squeeze the lime juice in, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Recipe Notes:

Make sure you buy gluten free oats if you want to make this dish gluten free.

Curry leaves add a very distinct flavor and aroma to this dish. You can find them at most Indian grocery stores. If you cannot find fresh curry leaves, you can use dried curry leaves too.