Indian · serves 2

Oats Upma

Fifteen minutes, high fibre, and it doesn't taste like health food.

15 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups rolled oats
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal
  • 15 curry leaves
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1/4 cup peanuts
  • 3 tbsp oil
  • Lemon

Method

  1. Dry roast the oats for 3 minutes until they smell nutty. This stops them turning to porridge.
  2. Mustard seeds, urad dal, peanuts, curry leaves, chillies and ginger in oil.
  3. Onion, carrot and peas, 4 minutes.
  4. Add 2 cups hot water and salt. Bring to a boil.
  5. Oats in, stir once, cover, lowest heat 3 minutes. Don't stir again.
  6. Fluff with a fork. Lemon and coriander.

Questions people ask about Oats Upma

How long does Oats Upma take?

About 15 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What is the one thing to get right in Oats Upma?

Oats in, stir once, cover, lowest heat 3 minutes. Don't stir again.

What can I use instead of onion in Oats Upma?

Use shallots, which are sweeter, or leeks for a milder result. Neither browns quite as deeply.

Can I make Oats Upma ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Oats Upma vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Oats Upma?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

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