Easy Oats Idli Recipe: Healthy & Quick Breakfast Idea

Start your day with a nutritious and delicious twist on a classic South Indian dish. Packed with fibre, protein, and wholesome ingredients, this oats idli recipe is ideal for anyone looking to stay energized and full all day.

Looking for a nutritious yet tasty breakfast option? This oats idli recipe is perfect for you!

Packed with the goodness of oats, it’s a healthy twist on the traditional South Indian delicacy. Not only it is light and easy to digest, but it’s also rich in fibre, keeping you full and energized throughout the day.

What makes this oats idli unique is its blend of wholesome ingredients that cater to your health without compromising on flavour. So, all the seasoned cooks or beginners, let’s look at this simple and instant oats idli recipe. I am sure that it will become a favourite in your kitchen.

Nutritious and tasty, oats idli is a healthy twist on the traditional South Indian dish.

Healthy and Instant Oats Idli

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup fine rava
• ½ cup curd (dahi)
• 1 cup water or as required
• 1 teaspoon eno or ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 small to medium-sized carrot
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• Salt to taste

For Tempering:

• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 1 pinch asafoeitida (hing)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 to 2 chopped green chillies
• 1 stem of finely chopped curry leaves
• 1 inch finely chopped ginger

Instructions

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Preparation:

1. Roast the oats and rava in a dry skillet until the colour changes and the end of the oat flakes begin to curl.
2. Now, add both the roasted and oats in the blender jar and blend it to a fine flour.
3. Peel and grate 1 small to medium carrot and set it aside.
4. Now, prepare the following herbs and spices you will need for the batter.

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• 1 to 2 chopped green chillies

Tip: Pre-chopping and measuring out these ingredients will streamline your cooking process, ensuring everything is ready when you start cooking.

Cooking the Base:

1. Heat ½ to 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over low heat. Once the oil is hot, add ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, ½ teaspoon urad dal, and 1 teaspoon chana dal.
2. Stir the mixture and fry until the mustard seeds start to crackle, and the chana dal and urad dal turn golden.
3. Add 1 to 2 chopped green chilies, 1 teaspoon chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon finely chopped curry leaves, 8 to 10 chopped cashews, ½ teaspoon black pepper powder, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
4. Sauté the mixture for another minute.
5. Add the roasted oats and rava (sooji) mixture to the pan. Stir and saute on low heat for 2 minutes.
6. Transfer the roasted flour mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool completely before proceeding.

Batter Preparation:

1. Once the mixture has cooled, add the grated carrots, chopped coriander, and any other vegetables of your choice to the mixture. Mix well to combine.
2. Add ½ cup of curd (dahi) to the mixture, followed by 1 cup of water.
3. Stir the batter well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Check the consistency of the batter; it should be medium, neither too thick nor too thin. 
5. Now, cover the bowl and let the batter rest for 5 to 6 minutes.

Oats Idli Making Process:

1. While the batter rests, grease the idli molds with a little oil or ghee to prevent sticking.
2. Pour 1.5 to 2 cups of water into the cooker or pot and bring it to a boil. If you have a traditional idli steamer, you can use that instead.
3. After the batter has rested, check its consistency. It should be medium and moist. If it seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of water and mix well.
4. Add salt to taste and stir the batter. Then, add 1 teaspoon of fruit salt (eno) or ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Stir quickly and thoroughly to ensure the eno is evenly distributed in the batter.
5. Pour the oats idli batter into the greased molds.
6. Carefully place the molds on the trivet or perforated plate inside the pot, electric cooker, Instant Pot, or pressure cooker. Cover and steam the idlis for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Note: If using a pressure cooker, remove the vent weight (whistle) before sealing the cooker with the lid. For the Instant Pot, keep the valve in the “venting” position and steam on high pressure for 10 to 12 minutes using the steam function.

7. The idlis are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Carefully remove the idli stand from the pot or cooker using a kitchen towel or oven mitts.
8. Let the steamed idlis rest in the moulds for a few minutes, then gently remove them using a spoon dipped in hot water.
9. Serve the oats idli immediately. To keep them soft and moist, store the idlis in a covered container or a roti box.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving of Oats Idli

1. Calories: 30 kcal
2. Protein: 1.8 g
3. Carbohydrates: 5 g
4. Fiber: 1 g

Key Nutritional Benefits

• Diabetes-Friendly: Oats replace rice, offering a fibre-rich, low glycemic index option that is ideal for diabetics.
• Heart Health: Beta-glucan fibre in oats helps lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar spikes, control blood pressure, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Protein-Rich: Urad dal provides a substantial amount of protein, making the idli more filling and contributing to a low glycemic index.
• Bone Health & Digestion: Urad dal also supplies soluble and insoluble fibre, protein, vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. The nutrients fortify bones, enhance digestion, and support nervous system function.
• Probiotic Benefits: Curd adds protein, vitamins A and B12, and calcium, which promotes a strong immune system, improves skin health, boosts brain function, and helps in weight management.
• Enhanced Fibre & Nutrients: Vegetables like carrots and onions increase the fibre content and nutritional value, which contributes to carotenoids for skin health and vision. It also regulates blood pressure and heart health. Coriander leaves further promote digestion, boost immunity, and prevent infections.

Tips For Instant Oats Idli Recipe

If you are wondering how to make oats idli that stay moist and soft, following these tips will ensure the perfect outcome.

1. You can store the idlis in the refrigerator for up to a day. To reheat, gently re-steam them instead of using a microwave, as microwaving can dry them out..
2. For a milder, less soapy aroma, add ½ teaspoon of fruit salt or ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. This will result in a slightly less fluffy texture but still make the oats idli recipe delicious. 
3. It’s best to use all the batter in one steaming session. If you save it for a second round, the oats idli won’t be as soft.
4. This instant oats idli recipe is quick to prepare. While the idlis are steaming, whip up some coconut chutney, and you’ll have a healthy breakfast ready in under 45 minutes.
5. Slightly roasting the oats before making them into powder enhances the flavour. Don’t grind the oats too finely; a coarser texture gives the idli a better bite.
6. You can add finely chopped and sautéed vegetables to the batter for a nutritious twist.
7. Bring the water in the steamer to a boil in advance, so you can start steaming immediately after adding the eno salt.
8. Serve the oats idli warm with your choice of chutneys and accompaniments for the best taste.

FAQs:

1. What are the benefits of oatmeal idli?

Oatmeal idli offers several health benefits. It is rich in protein and fibre, which support digestion and help keep bowel movements regular. The soluble fibre and beta-glucan in oats may lower bad cholesterol, and beta-glucan is also helpful for managing diabetes, making it a healthy breakfast option for diabetics.

2. How many calories are in 1 oat idli?

One oats idli contains about 30 calories, along with 1.8 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fibre.

3. Can I make oats idli without using any fermentation process?

Yes, you don’t need to ferment the oats idli batter. Simply let it rest for 5-6 minutes before making idlis.

4. What are some variations I can try with oats idli?

You can try different variations with oats idli, like adding grated vegetables or spices to the batter.

5. How long does it take to cook oats idli?

Oats idli typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cook in the idli steamer. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the idlis and the type of steamer you use.

6. Can oats idli be stored, and how do I reheat them?

Yes, you can store oats idlis by keeping them in a covered container in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave by sprinkling a few drops of water on them, or steam them for 1 to 2 minutes in a pan. For a crispy twist, you can also pan-fry or shallow-fry them until golden. Serve with your favourite dip, like tomato ketchup, schezwan sauce, or coriander chutney.

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