Introduction:

When it comes to a quick and nutritious breakfast, few dishes can match the simple upma. Originating from South India, Upma is a delicious semolina-based dish that has been delighting the taste buds for generations. But why stick to tradition when you can give it a modern twist and make it even healthier? In this blog post, we will explore the delightful world of oats upma – a nutritious and delicious version of the classic recipe. So, let us look at the easy to follow steps and learn how to prepare this wholesome breakfast dish.

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Component:

For this delicious oats upma, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, capsicum, etc.), finely chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (depending on your preferred level of spiciness)

1 inch piece ginger, grated

1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews (optional, for extra crunch)

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp urad dal (urad dal)

1/2 tsp chana dal
a pinch of asafoetida
some curry leaves

2 cups water or vegetable broth

2 tbsp oil or ghee

salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Lemon wedges (optional, for tartness)

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Instruction:

• Dry roast the oats: Begin by dry roasting the rolled oats in a non-stick pan on a low to medium flame. Cook, stirring continuously, for about 3-4 minutes or till the oats turn slightly golden brown and start to smell nutty. Once done, keep the roasted oats aside.
• To temper the spices, add oil or ghee to the same pan and cook it over medium-low heat. Add the cumin and mustard seeds, and then watch them crackle. Add the urad dal and chana dal after that, and stir until golden brown.
• Add aromatics and vegetables: Next, add curry leaves, chopped onions, green chilies, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become transparent and the raw ginger fragrance goes away. The mixed vegetables should be added and cooked for a little while, until tender but still crisp.

• Boil the oats: Add water or vegetable broth to a pan, and add salt and a pinch of asafoetida. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Gradually add the roasted oats, making sure no lumps remain. Lower the flame, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes.
• Optional Crunch: If you like some crunch in your Oats Upma, you can add some roasted peanuts or cashews at this stage.
• Check for doneness: Once the oats have absorbed the water and become soft and puffy, turn off the heat. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if required.

Garnish and serve: finally, garnish the oats upma with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with optional lemon slices on the side for extra flavour.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have just prepared a delicious and healthy oats upma that will keep you satisfied and energized for the day ahead. This delightful twist to the classic upma recipe not only offers the goodness of oats but is also packed with wholesome nutrition of mixed vegetables. So, the next time you want a hearty breakfast that is both nutritious and delicious, remember this easy-to-make oats upma recipe!