MASALA OATS

Oats is yet another healthy cereal which I have using a lot lately. Apart from being gluten free,it is also shown to lower the cholesterol levels. Oats is rich in soluble fiber , resulting in slower digestion which in turn results in a feeling of fullness and suppression of appetite. Also, Oats are a good source of protein (More information can be found here.).Because of these excellent properties that can be found in this health food, it has become the most commonly used cereals in my breakfast cooking. Masala Oats is one such recipe.


Masala Oats is a simple breakfast recipe filled with vegetables and is flavorfully spiced. Feel free to add or remove the veggies. This is how you can prepare this delicious dish..

INGREDIENTS:
Serves : 2-3

• Quaker Oats (Old fashioned oats) : 1 cup
• Onion (finely chopped) : 1/2 cup
• Carrot (finely chopped) : 1/2 cup
• Celery (finely chopped): 1/2 cup
• Frozen peas / Fresh Peas : 1/2 cup
• Ginger(grated) : 2 tsp
• Garlic (finely chopped) : 2 tsp
• Green chillies (finely chopped) : 1-2  tsp (Adjust according to taste)
• Cinnamon : 1 inch stick
• Green cardamom : 1
• Bay leaf : 1
• Cashews : Few
• Cumin seeds : 1/2 tsp
• Urad Dal / Skinned Black gram dal : 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves : 4-5
• Dry Red chillies : 2 (broken)
• Cilantro / coriander leaves (chopped) : 1/4 cup
• Salt as per taste
• Turmeric powder : 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala powder : 1/2 tsp (A blend of ground spices, easily available in Indian stores)
• Lemon Juice : 1 tbsp
• Water : 2 cups (See notes)
• Oil : 1.5 tbsp
• Dried Cranberries : 1-2 tbsp (you can replace this with dried raisins)

Note: 2 cups water will give a semi dry oats. If you need a more watery consistency, then add more water.
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml

PROCEDURE:

• Dry roast the oats and set it aside.

• Heat oil in  a deep nonstick pan. When hot, add the bay leaf, cardamom , cinnamon stick and the cashew nuts.

• When the flavors from the spices have infused into the oil and the cashew nuts have changed colors, add the cumin seeds, urad dal, curry leaves and dry red chillies.

• When the seeds splutter, add the chopped onion, grated ginger, chopped garlic and chopped chillies.

• When the onions have become soft, add the chopped carrots, chopped celery and peas. Mix well and cook in low heat until the veggies are cooked.

• Once the veggies have almost cooked, add the turmeric powder and the garam masala. Mix well.

• Add the dry roasted oats. Mix.

• Boil the water and add this hot water to the Oat mixture.

• Cook covered until the moisture has evaporated.

• Add lemon juice,salt and chopped cilantro.Mix well.

• Lastly add the dried cranberries.

• Serve hot with some chilled yogurt.