As you head for the cheese slices in your fridge, that bag of oats calls you out from behind. You quickly shut the oats out and as you are about to pick the cheese, your waistline starts to struggle to breathe in that tightly buttoned jeans. Ah, looks like it is time to head for the oats. So long, cheese slice. You close the refrigerator with a heavy heart and pick the bag of oats.
A bowl of oatmeal does not look appetizing at all, that we all can agree on. But, oats are so healthy and packed with nutrients that they should be included in your diet in some way. So we picked out 5 mouth-watering Indian recipes that can be made with oats. But first here are the best brands to make these recipes with.
1. Quaker Oats
Our overall top pick is Quaker Oats because it scored highest in soluble fiber and starch. Soluble fiber is the star nutrient in oats. With up to 85% of this being β Glucan, Quaker Oats with the highest amount scored as the top pick for adding the maximum health benefit to your meal. The starch content in Quaker Oats is also good, making it a sustained energy source that keeps you energized for longer.
These are rolled oats that can be cooked within a few minutes. They are rich in fiber and can be great for your heart health and digestive health. You can make granola, oat florentines, and other interesting snacks.
Kick-start your mornings with wholesome Bagrry’s White Oats. It is 100% wholegrain and nutrition-packed. Moreover, they are specially processed with their innovative milling technology for a superior taste experience.
4. Disano High in Protein and Fibre Oats Pouch
What’s better than starting your day with gluten-free, 100% whole grain oats that are ready in just three minutes? Disano oats that are high in protein and fiber help reduce cholesterol, and you can use these oats to make delicious porridge, overnight oats, and many more.
5. Saffola Oats
These delicious oats from Saffola are made from 100% natural wholegrain oats. If you’re looking for an instant oatmeal cereal or an evening snack, then this is the perfect option for you as these oats can be prepared in just 3 minutes.
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Yummy Dishes You Can Make Using Oats
1) Oats Idli
Oats idlis are very instant and easy to make. All you need is a coarsely ground cup of oats (you can use oats flour too), semolina, curd, and some simple spices. Add some roasted chana dal to increase the crunch quotient of the idlis. Steaming them might take a little longer than your regular idlis, but the results are worth it. You can temper them with curry leaves and mustard seeds. Serve with a spicy sambar, a thick coconut chutney, or a tomato-peanut chutney.
2) Oats Upma
Packaged masala oats are quite popular in the market and very tasty too. But you can very easily create a bowl of masala oats upma at home too? A few veggies, some zesty masalas, and a cup of rolled oats are all you need to satisfy your healthy breakfast needs. Squeeze half a lemon and add some sev on top for that zing!
3) Oats Dosa
A crisp and thin dosa in the times of quarantine sounds like a beautiful (and unachievable) dream. Let me tell you, you’re wrong. It’s possible and can be achieved with healthier ingredients. Making a perfectly crisp dosa at home with your regular non-stick tawa is an art in itself, but making it with oats is even more commendable. Use rice flour and oats flour in equal quantities. Add chopped onions to it, if you wish to. Enjoy with a bowl of sambar and some lip-smacking chutneys. Serve them immediately, as they get soggy too soon.
Tip – Make sure the batter is in flowing consistency. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread evenly. If it’s too thin, you won’t be able to flip it.
4) Oats Anda Bhurji
The taste of an anda bhurji (Masala scrambled eggs) with some butter bread and chai is an ideal anytime-any day meal. Make the usual onion-tomato-green chili masala for the bhurji and add a handful of toasted rolled oats to your scrambled egg mix before pouring it into the pan. Quickly take it off the heat once the eggs are done. Do not overcook the bhurji as it might become chewy.
5) Oats Kheer
One of the quickest kheers to make is an oats kheer. This can be made under 30 minutes and we can guarantee there will be no leftovers. Roast the oats in ghee, add full cream milk, and let it cook on a slow flame for 15 minutes. Crush a green cardamom pod and add in the mix for fragrant results. Add sugar or jaggery according to your taste. Once done, chill in the refrigerator for an hour. Add lots of dry fruits on top before serving. If you love kheer, you would also love our post on how to make kheer with leftover rice.
Have you tried any of these Indianised oats recipes or do you like sticking to the same old bowl of oatmeal?