Oats have gained immense popularity for their health benefits, which include lowering cholesterol levels, aiding in weight loss, and providing essential nutrients. For those who love Indian cuisine but want to keep it healthy, oats can be incorporated into traditional dishes like idlis. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe for Oats Idli, a nutritious twist on the beloved South Indian breakfast dish.
Ingredients
Before we dive into making these healthy idlis, let’s gather all the ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup rava (semolina)
- 1⁄2 cup yogurt
- 1 cup water (adjust for consistency)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Eno fruit salt or 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1⁄4 cup fresh peas (optional)
- A handful of coriander, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
Preparation Steps
1. Roasting the Oats and Rava
- In a dry pan, roast the oats until they turn slightly golden. This enhances their flavor.
- Remove the oats, then roast the rava in the same pan until it starts to give off a toasted aroma. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
2. Cooling and Blending
- Allow both oats and rava to cool down completely.
- Grind the oats into a coarse powder.
- Keep the rava as is.
3. Making the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered oats, rava, yogurt, and salt.
- Add water gradually to make a thick batter. It should have a consistency similar to traditional idli batter.
- Leave the batter to rest for about 20-30 minutes.
4. Tempering
- Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Pour this tempering over the batter and mix well.
5. Adding Final Ingredients
- Add the grated carrot, peas, and coriander to the batter. Mix evenly.
- Just before steaming, add Eno fruit salt or baking soda to the batter. Stir gently to ensure it’s mixed well.
6. Steaming
- Grease the idli molds with some oil.
- Pour the batter into the molds, filling them about 3⁄4 full.
- Steam for 12-15 minutes. Use a toothpick or knife to check if they’re done; if it comes out clean, the idlis are ready.
7. Serving
- Let the idlis cool for a few minutes, then remove them from the molds with a spoon or a knife.
- Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any accompaniment of your choice.
Notes
🍲 Note: Idlis can be made ahead of time and steamed again to reheat.
🍴 Note: For a different texture, you can add a bit of rice flour to the batter.
By incorporating oats into this classic Indian dish, we not only enhance the nutritional profile but also cater to health-conscious individuals seeking delicious yet guilt-free foods. Oats Idli is a perfect example of how traditional recipes can be adapted for modern dietary needs without losing the essence of the original flavors. It's a simple dish that brings health and taste together, making your breakfast both indulgent and beneficial.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
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Steel-cut oats would not be ideal for this recipe because they are less processed and take much longer to cook, which could alter the texture and taste of the idlis.
How can I make Oats Idli vegan?
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Substitute yogurt with a vegan alternative like almond milk yogurt or soy yogurt. Also, replace ghee (if used for tempering) with vegetable oil or vegan butter.
What are some good alternatives to Eno fruit salt?
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If Eno is not available, baking soda can be used, or you can try a mixture of baking soda and citric acid to mimic the effect of Eno.
