Oats Idli

Our oats idli is all about healthy eating.

We show you how to make a light, low-calorie but flavorsome breakfast. This version is especially recommended for children. They might be hesitant to eat the vegetables in their natural form, but smuggled into the idli, and they will love it! Packing this for breakfast? Make sure you carry it in an insulated lunchbox or storage container.

Health Benefits

Oats are mainly eaten as breakfast-porridge. It is easy, quick, filling and full of oats-goodness. The grain contains high amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins (B1 thiamine, B9 folate), minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese.

More benefits are added with the green beans, peas, and carrots. They are part of your “5 per day” and add texture, flavor, and color.A tasty, high nutritional value breakfast this!

The recipe requires an idli tray for steaming which is common in Indian and Sri Lankan households. If you live somewhere else, you could try your Indian or Asian market.

Another option is to use an egg poacher, muffin tray, small bowl (preferably metal) or ramekin. A water-filled wok with tray and lid is an excellent alternative. You might have to experiment a bit and adjust the steaming time.

Ingredients

cups oats: 2

cup semolina: 1

cup natural yogurt: 1

cup water: 1

tsp baking soda or baking powder: 1/2

cup peas (fresh or frozen): 1/2

cup grated or very finely chopped carrots (about 1 medium-sized carrot): 1/2

cup chopped green beans: 1/2

tsp of salt: 1/2

How To Make Oats Idli

1. In a blender, blitz the oats to a powdery consistency.
2. Transfer to a bowl and combine with the semolina, yogurt, baking powder, and water.
3. Whisk until you get a smooth batter.
4. Add beans, peas, carrots, salt, and mix all well to a thick, still slightly runny consistency. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb the moisture.
5. In the meantime bring the water in the steamer to a boil and grease the idli molds.
6. Fill with the dough and steam for 10-12 minutes. Cooking time might vary, depending on your equipment.
7. To check the idli, stick a toothpick into one and when it comes out clean, they are ready. 

Many recipes for oats idli require the addition of fried spices and onion. To keep this dish as healthy as possible we abstained from including them. You can add spices and heat by dipping the idli into an onion or coconut-based chutney or sambar. 

Another way to spruce up the breakfast idli is to add fresh or stewed fruits. It might sound odd, but especially tangy fruits (pineapple, passion fruit, strawberries, raspberries, apples) will bring another dimension to this dish. 

Enjoy the dish and Happy cooking.