Oats Idli

Healthy Oats idli/steamed savory cake

Idli is a steamed savory cake made using a batter comprising rice and black lentils. The batter once prepared is left overnight during which it ferments and doubles in size.The idlis generally are cooked in a special idli cooker or in a pressure cooker where special idli moulds greased with oil holds the batter. Idli is a popular and traditional southindian breakfast. No southindian can say no to hot fluffy idlis be it any time of a day.Idlis being mild in falvour are generally served with 3 varieties of spicy chutneys and sambhar(lentil based vegetable stew).There are different varities of idlis such as rava idli , ragi idli ,kancheepuram idli etc.

Nowadays, oats have become a staple food among all countries across the world owing to its abudant nutritional benefits. Oats is powerpacked with rich dietary fiber that helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol. The health benefits of this wonder grain has been documented in hundreds of studies. Though oats cannot be called gluten-free, studies have shown that the inclusion of oats in the gluten free diets of people with coeliac disease can increase the nutritional value of the diet. However, the question of including oats in the diet of people with gluten intolerance is somewhat hypothetical. Pure oatmeal does not contain gluten. But, the oats we get in markets are often cross contiminated with small amounts of wheat/barley. Other health benefits of oats include reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, strong immune system and regulation of blood pressure. Oatmeal is a major part of many deit plans owing to its high satiety index. Our body digests oats in a slower pace making us feel full and thus aiding in weight loss by keeping hunger pangs at bay.

I don’t wanna bore you with my blah-blahs about this wonder grain furthermore 😛  So, lets get to the recipe of this yummy yet healthy oats idli,the main motive of this post :D. I’am lucky that i don’t have to worry about preparing breakfast/lunch/dinner atleast for 2 years :D. Also, I’m fortunate enough that i don’t have to rack my brain to break the routine by making something different on weekends. Today, i decided to let my mom relax and let her have some her-time by opting to make breakfast. I had about a cup of left over oats and rava and viola a healthy breakfast was done and relished in minutes.

Source: Vegrecipesofindia
Time: 1 hour

Required Ingredients:

• Intsant Oats- 1 cup
• Rava/Sooji/Cream of wheat-1/2 cup
• Curd-1 cup
• Oil- As required
• Mustard seeds-2 tsp
• Urad Dal-2 tsp
• Chana Dal-1 tsp
• Green Chillies-2
• Carrots-1 medium finely grated
• Curry leaves-10 to 15
• Coriander Leaves-1/2 cup
• Salt-As required
• Fruit salt/ENO/Baking soda-1 tsp
• Ginger-finely chopped 1 tsp
• Asafoetida-1 tsp
• Water-1 cup

Method:

Grind instant oats in a mixie/food processor to a fine powder.

Heat oil in a kadai/wok and add mustard seeds and allow them to flutter.

Now, add urad dal, chana dal and fry for 2-3 minutes.

To this add curry leaves, green chillies, ginger and asafoetida and saute for 2-3 minutes.

Add rava and fry for 2-3 minutes (Roast until light brown if you are using unroasted rava)

Now, add powdered oats and saute until light brown for 2-3 minutes.

Switch off the flame and let it cool down completely.

In a mixing bowl add grated carrot, coriander leaves, oats-rava mixture, curd, water and mix  into a smooth batter

The batter should be of medium consistency. Add more water if it is thick. Add water with caution without making it runny.

Add salt, mix well and leave it covered for 5-6 minutes.

Meanwhile grease idli moulds/plates with oil and preheat a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water

Finally, add fruit salt/ENO/baking soda and mix well.

Pour the batter into the idli moulds/plates and cover the pressure cooker with the lid.

Cook on high flame for 10-12 minutes.

The idlis are done when a tooth pick/knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Serve hot with any chutney of your choice/sambhar.I made restaurant style coconut chutney as an accompaniment.

Notes:

• The same method may be used to prepare rava idlis.
• You can add any vegetables of your choice such as corn kernels, spinach, pudhina/mint leaves etc
• I used quaker multi grain oats. You can use any instant or rolled oats of your choice.
• Lemon juice may be used instead of curd.
• The same batter may be used to prepare oats dosas. Spread the batter onto a hot tawa greased with oil. Sprinkle little oil and finely chopped onions on the top and flip it over once cooked(Like pancakes). Cook until golden brown.