Masala Veg Oats – Homemade

With the onset of festivity comes a whole lot of fried foods and sweets. Hanging out with friends and family, we let loose all food regulations. What we normally would have avoided is gulped down without a second thought. But once the festive seasons is over we realise the misses in diet control.

The damage has been done. Now what to do bring things back on track? Food has a major role to play in the lives of all. Regulations will have to be imposed. Let us start with breakfast, one of the most important meals of the day.

Oats makes for a healthy and filling breakfast. We get oats ready mixes which are good alternatives to the ready to cook noodles. But what if you could whip up your very own oats that tasted as good as the pre-mix? This would also help you escape all those ingredients you do not recognise or pronounce. And not to forget the hidden sugar.

A leading brand of oats has a flavour named Veggie Twist. It is a mild flavour yet tingles the taste buds. By mixing a couple of ingredients at home we get a similar flavour which tastes as good as the premix.

Ingredients:

• Oats – 1 cup
• Urad dal – 1 tbsp
• Onion – 1 small
• Capsicum – 1 small
• Green peas (boiled) – 1/2 cup
• Green Chilli – 2
• Rai (black mustard seeds) – 1 tsp
• Curry leaves – 8 to 10
• Salt
• Ghee – 2 tbsp

Method:

Chop the onion, capsicum, green chilli and curry leaves. Set aside.

Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan. When the ghee is hot add the rai, green chilli and urad dal.

When the rai is spluttering and the dal is slightly brown add the curry leaves and onion.

Stirring occasionally cook the onions till transparent.

Add the capsicum and boiled peas. Continue cooking for five minutes.

Add the oats and mix well. Cook oats with the other ingredients for 4-5 minutes.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and add 2 cups of water.

Add the salt, stir the oats and cover.

Allow the oats to cook in the water. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the base.

The oats will absorb the water in the process. Check the consistency. Add warm water to it if you feel the need.

You can garnish with coriander if you wish to.

Enjoy it hot and piping!

Good to know: 

• The cooked oats will thicken if kept for some time. You may have to add water to alter the consistency as per you preference.
• You can also add grated carrots, French beans or other vegetables of your choice.