Oatmeal is one of those ingredients that’s been around for so long that most people don’t even notice it anymore. To be honest, most of us have a bag of oatmeal at the back of our kitchen cupboard that’s been lingering since our last health kick. This humble cereal grain has been around for over 30,000 years but people are still finding ways to update this ancient favourite.
Social media users and oatmeal lovers are certainly no strangers to the overnight oats trend where fresh fruits, nuts and any number of toppings come together to make a delicious breakfast bowl. But one area that everybody seems to have forgotten is the savoury oatmeal bowl. These seemingly humble dishes offer a blank canvas for creativity and a hearty base that can keep you well-fuelled all day.
Aside from being simple to cook, oatmeal boasts a hearty nutritional profile. It trumps many grains in protein content and is brimming with a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it features antioxidants and a soluble fibre known as beta-glucan, which provides valuable support to various bodily systems.
If you’re thinking of including more oats in your diet, here are 6 savoury meals you can try out:
Masala Oats:
A typically Indian meal with an oat-y twist. Start by dry roasting rolled oats until they turn slightly brown and crispy for an extra layer of flavour. Then sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables of your choice in a pan. Sprinkle in a blend of aromatic spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and red chilli powder. Combine the roasted oats with the spice-infused vegetables, add water, and cook until the oats are tender for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Oats Upma:
Upgrade your regular upma from rava to an oats version with some simple steps. In this version, temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves in hot oil. Then add chopped onions and green chillies and saute them until translucent. Add the oats to the pan and roast them until they are lightly browned. Add hot water and allow it to simmer until the oats are tender and absorb the flavours. Garnish with coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon for a wholesome and savoury breakfast or snack.
Oatmeal Latke:
Pancakes are a typical weekend brunch staple but you can make them even more nutritious with the addition of oats. Combine oats with buttermilk, egg, and a touch of baking powder. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken then add in cheese, ham and spring onions. Pour spoonfuls of the batter onto a hot griddle and cook until golden brown. These pancakes are not only delicious but also packed with fibre and protein. Serve it up smothered in butter and a sauce of your choice.
Savoury Oatmeal Porridge:
Porridge is the most basic way to make oatmeal, but instead of the regular sprinkle of nuts, fruits or sweeteners, instead, opt for a savoury avatar by cooking oats with vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Add eggs if desired season it with salt and pepper, and stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and grated cheese for a comforting, savoury bowl of oats.
Oatmeal with Roasted Vegetables:
For a veggie-laden meal that’s nutritious and tasty, just roast a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini with olive oil and your preferred seasoning. Serve these on a bed of cooked oatmeal for a satisfying and nutrition-packed savoury option.
Cheesy Oat Risotto:
Making traditional risotto can be such a chore. It requires lots of supervision and effort. Instead. make a savoury "risotto" by cooking oats with broth and adding grated cheese, sautéed onions, and herbs. Stir until the mixture is creamy, resulting in a cheesy and comforting dish.