Oats Idli is a healthy, light, and delicious variation of the traditional South Indian steamed rice cakes, replacing rice with fiber-rich oats. This dish is perfect for breakfast or a light meal, offering a nutritious start to the day. It’s packed with the goodness of oats, semolina, yogurt, and a mix of fresh vegetables like carrots and peas, making it not only tasty but also a great source of vitamins and minerals. The best part about oats idli is that it’s quick and easy to prepare, especially when you’re looking for a wholesome meal in no time. Serve with coconut chutney or sambar for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats (rolled or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup semolina (rava/sooji)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (curd)
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ¼ cup green peas (optional)
- A pinch of turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
- Roast the oats: Dry roast the oats in a pan on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they turn slightly golden. Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- Prepare the tempering: Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown. Add chopped green chili and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute.
- Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground oats, semolina, yogurt, and the prepared tempering. Stir in grated carrot, green peas (if using), turmeric powder, and salt. Add water as needed to create a thick batter consistency.
- Rest the batter: Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the oats and semolina to absorb the moisture and soften.
- Add baking soda: Just before steaming, add the baking soda and mix the batter well.
- Steam the idlis: Grease the idli molds with a little oil and pour the batter into each mold. Steam in a steamer or pressure cooker without the whistle for 10-12 minutes until the idlis are cooked through.
- Serve: Once done, remove the idlis from the molds and serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Oats Idli!
