Mornings are usually jammed, and there is hardly any time to prepare an elaborate yet healthy breakfast. But the morning meal plays an important role in maintaining energy throughout the day and generally for good health. Oats have recently acquired many followers as a great option for starting one's day, partially due to their ease of use, but most of all because of their extensive range of health benefits. Oats are full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is one of those versatile ingredients which can be used in several dishes that fit both the traditional and modern tastes of people. Whether you need something quick or a recipe which would be a bit elaborate, oats can be an ideal solution for all of your problems related to breakfast. Oats have been assimilated into a number of dishes in India that match our culinary needs. Let's explore the different types of oats and how to include them in your morning routine.
Types of Oats You Can Use
Before delving into the recipes, it is pertinent to understand the types of oats available and their suitability for various dishes:
Steel-Cut Oats: These are the least processed forms of oats, simply cut into small pieces rather than rolled. The consistency of steel-cut oats is chewier, and requires longer cooking, hence best suited for a heavy breakfast bowl. These are ideal for those who like a substantial and textured breakfast.
Rolled Oats: These are steamed and then rolled out to make them quicker than steel-cut oats. They could, therefore, be put to many different uses, such as in overnight oats, traditional porridges, or those that fall anywhere in between. Their softer texture is able to absorb flavours well, which makes it quite useful as the base for a good deal of toppings.
Instant Oats: These are further pre-cooked, then dried; hence, they will be the quickest to prepare during busy mornings. They cook super fast but would be softer and best used in recipes where the oats are mixed with other ingredients, such as smoothies or baked goods.
Masala Oats: This is a popular Indian adaptation, where the oats are seasoned with spices and vegetables. Usually, these are instant oats with a seasoning additive and, hence, very convenient and palatable breakfast dishes. These are a hit for those who like saltier breakfasts.
Oats Breakfast Recipes
Now that you know about the various kinds of oats, here's a look at some tasty, easy-to-make breakfast dishes that will keep you full and energized throughout the morning:
Oats Upma: Upma is the traditional semolina dish. This recipe shows a healthy twist by using rolled or instant oats to create a fluffy upma by cooking the oats with sautéed vegetables, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices. It is quite savoury and has all the qualities of fulfilling and nourishing food.
Overnight oats: It would be just perfect in the morning when there is quite a lot to do. Preparation involves soaking rolled oats in milk or yoghurt during the night. You can add fruits, nuts, honey, or whatever you like on it in the morning. A no-cook dish, overnight oats can be tailored to your taste.
Oats Chilla: Made from mixing ground oat with besan gram flour, spices, and chopped vegetables, oats chilla is a savoury pancake. High-protein, fibre breakfast on the griddle is good with chutney or yoghurt.
Oat Smoothie: Blend instant oats, along with milk, fruits, and your choice of sweetener, to make a quick and healthy smoothie for an on-the-go breakfast filled with fibre that will keep you full until lunch, ready in minutes.
Masala Oat Porridge: Spiced-up version of the original sweet porridge, masala oats porridge is prepared by cooking oats in water or milk and adding spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Garnish with sautéed vegetables and a dollop of ghee for a warm and healthy kick-start to the day.
Incorporating oats into your breakfast needn't be a bland and tedious affair. With several kinds of oats available and various methods of cooking, your breakfast can be healthy, tasty, and full of life to tackle the day ahead. Be it sweet and tangy, quick and simple, or rich and beautiful-you can make all types of breakfasts with oats as the base ingredient. Now, go ahead and start making these recipes to experience how oats can make your mornings lively.