Leena Watts
Masala oats are a healthy, tasty, and spicy Indian dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are made by cooking oats with vegetables, spices, and herbs, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. The basic recipe involves heating ghee or oil in a pot, adding cumin seeds and other spices, and then stir-frying onions, green chilies, and vegetables. Tomatoes and water are then added, followed by the oats, and the dish is cooked until thick. Masala oats are a nutritious and filling option, containing soluble fibre, protein, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. They are also low in cholesterol and gluten-free, making them a healthy choice for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right oats
Oats are widely considered to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They are a whole-grain food that is high in soluble fibre, which helps to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as enhance healthy gut bacteria. Oats are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help to improve blood circulation and reduce oxidative stress.
When it comes to choosing the right oats for your masala oats, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can use rolled oats, which are made from oat groats that have been steamed and rolled into flat flakes. Rolled oats have a mild flavour and a chewy texture, and they cook relatively quickly, making them a convenient option for masala oats.
Another option is instant or quick-cooking oats. These oats have been partially cooked and dried, which makes them perfect for those who are short on time as they cook faster than rolled oats. However, it's important to note that instant oats may have a slightly softer texture and a milder flavour compared to rolled oats.
If you prefer a heartier texture, steel-cut oats could be a good choice. Steel-cut oats are made from oat groats that have been cut into small pieces, resulting in a chewier and nuttier texture compared to rolled or instant oats. However, steel-cut oats take longer to cook, so you'll need to adjust your preparation time accordingly.
Additionally, you can also experiment with different varieties of oats such as organic oats or quick oats from India. The key is to choose an option that aligns with your time constraints and texture preferences.
Remember, regardless of the type of oats you choose, masala oats are a delicious and healthy option that can be customised to your taste. You can add various vegetables, spices, and herbs to create a nourishing and flavourful meal.
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Preparing the vegetables
Once you have selected your vegetables, finely chop them into small pieces. This step is important, especially if you want to cook the vegetables quickly and maintain their crunchiness. You can also choose to grate or shred the vegetables for a different texture.
After chopping, you can choose to cook the vegetables in a variety of ways. Some recipes call for stir-frying the vegetables in ghee or oil until they are slightly tender. Others suggest adding the vegetables directly to the pot with the spices and oats, allowing them to cook together.
If you wish to add a stronger flavour to the vegetables, you can consider marinating them in a mixture of spices and herbs before cooking. This can enhance the taste and make your masala oats even more delicious.
Additionally, remember that the amount of vegetables you use can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a heartier dish, add more vegetables. If you want the oats to be the star, you can reduce the vegetable quantity.
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Adding spices and herbs
Some common spices and herbs used in masala oats include cumin seeds, cumin powder, garam masala, chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and coriander leaves. You can also add bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon for a more complex flavour profile. If you want to add some heat to your dish, consider using crushed black pepper or increasing the amount of chilli powder.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of masala blends such as pav bhaji masala, kitchen king masala, or maggie masala taste maker. These blends can enhance the flavour of your masala oats and make them more savoury and spicy.
When adding spices and herbs to your masala oats, it is important to consider the order in which you add them. Some spices, such as cumin seeds and bay leaves, should be added at the beginning of the cooking process to allow their flavours to infuse into the dish. Other spices and herbs, such as coriander leaves, are added at the end as a garnish to provide a fresh burst of flavour.
Furthermore, you can also add herbs like mint leaves, fenugreek leaves, and dill leaves to your masala oats. These herbs can brighten up the dish and add a unique flavour profile. Adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.
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$4.12
Cooking the masala oats
Masala oats are a delicious and healthy dish of oatmeal cooked with Indian spices and vegetables. The dish is simple to make and can be adapted to your preference.
To start, you will need to heat some ghee or oil in a pot. You can use a neutral oil, such as sunflower oil, or for a more authentic flavour, ghee—a type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine. Heat around one to two tablespoons of your chosen fat over a medium heat.
Once your ghee or oil is hot, it's time to add your spices. You can use a basic combination of cumin seeds and ground coriander, or you can add more exotic spices such as cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon. If you want to keep things simple, you can even use a premade spice mix such as curry powder or garam masala. Sauté the spices until they become aromatic, filling your kitchen with a delicious fragrance.
Next, add your onions and green chilli. Stir-fry these until they are lightly golden, then add your tomatoes. If you are using fresh tomatoes, you may want to cover the pot at this stage to help them soften. You can also use tomato puree or paste to speed things up. Once your tomatoes are soft, it's time to add your vegetables. You can use any vegetables you like, but some common choices include carrots, beans, peas, and capsicum. Stir-fry these for a couple of minutes, then pour in your water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Now it's time to add your oats. If you are using instant oats, you will need around two and a half cups. For other types of oats, such as rolled or steel-cut oats, the quantity of oats and water may vary, so adjust according to the instructions on your packet. Give everything a good stir, then leave the spoon in the pot to prevent overflowing and continue to cook over a medium heat until thick.
Finally, taste your masala oats and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more garam masala if you want more spice, or some crushed black pepper for extra heat. If your masala oats are too thick, add a little more boiling water and simmer for a minute or two. Once you are happy with the consistency, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Before serving, squeeze over some lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
Your masala oats are now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is best served hot and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
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Serving suggestions
Masala oats are a healthy and tasty breakfast option, and can also be a good substitute for lunch or dinner. The dish is made by cooking oats with vegetables, masala, and spices. It is a simple, nourishing, and flavourful meal that can be made quickly.
Masala oats can be served as a standalone dish, but if you plan to serve it for lunch or dinner, you can include some sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Raita or curd: This is a traditional Indian side dish made of yoghurt and spices. It can add a cooling element to the spicy and savoury masala oats.
- Papads: These are thin, crispy Indian bread or crackers, typically made from lentil flour and spices. They can provide a crunchy texture to the meal.
- Kachumber: A fresh Indian salad made with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and spices. It adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- Lemon juice: Squeezing some lemon juice over the masala oats can add a tangy flavour and enhance the taste.
- Coriander leaves: Garnishing the dish with fresh coriander leaves can add a burst of colour and a bright, herbal flavour.
- Dill leaves: Adding dill leaves to the masala oats can introduce a unique flavour profile and aroma to the dish.
Feel free to experiment with different serving suggestions to find your preferred combination. You can also adjust the spices and vegetables used in the masala oats recipe to personalise the dish to your taste.
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