Oats is not a cereal traditionally eaten in India, and probably came over with the British. Back home, oats does make a rare appearance as “kanji” or gruel/ porridge. Again, I am assuming that this practice must have come about from the British tradition of having oats as porridge, though I’ve rarely seen anyone having “oats kanji” for breakfast in the past. These days I do find more people having it for breakfast when they don’t have much time to make or eat breakfast, yet would prefer to start the day with something healthy and filling. Then there are also those who dislike oats and refer to it as “horse feed”!
Well, everyone’s entitled to their opinion but there is no denying the benefits of including a healthy amount of oats in one’s diet.
I am the only one in our home who likes oats though my husband and our daughter don’t mind oats so long as it’s “neither seen nor heard” as in cookies, granola, muesli, pie crusts, pizza bases and other bread. Much as I like oats, the one way I dislike having it is the way most people in India eat it, as “Oats Kanji” where “kanji” means porridge/ gruel. Most people here seem to love the oats sweet with milk and sugar. Even the additon of fruit and nuts couldn’t tempt me to have it this way.
I like my oatmeal porridge salty! This might sound odd, but I understand that I’m in good company. The Scots originally made their oatmeal porridge using salt because cream and sugar were very expensive.
A lot of Indian brands have now come out with pre-packaged savoury oatmeal but years before they thought of it, my mother used to make a savoury oatmeal porridge, that was lightly spiced with vegetables in it. Here in India, I find that most people eat their oatmeal sweet and find my love for salt in mine a bit strange. I have been known to have this not only for breakfast but also for lunch on days when I have only myself to cook for! This version of oatmeal porridge is easy to cook, healthy and very filling.
Savoury Oatmeal Porridge With Vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion medium , finely chopped
- 2 tsps ginger minced
- 3/4 cup oats rolled
- to taste salt pepper and
Instructions
- For the mixed vegetables, I usually use all or some of these, depending on what I have - potatoes, green peas, green beans, carrot, sweet corn and or green cabbage. Steam cook all the vegetables (except ginger and onion) till just done. I do this in the microwave at 100% for about 5 to 6 minutes. Keep aside.
- In a pan, heat the oil. Add the cumin seeds, sautxe9 and then add the ginger and onions. Sautxe9 till the onions become soft. Now add 2 1/2 or 3 cups of water (depending on the required consistency) and the salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the vegetables and the oats. Stir well, over medium heat, till the oats is cooked and the porridge becomes a little thicker in consistency. This porridge should not be very thick, but more like a thick soup. Season, to taste, with pepper.
- Serve hot with fresh fruit on the side, and coffee/ tea for a very filling breakfast/ brunch.
Hari Chandana says
Wow.. looks soo delicious and healthy… inviting click.. yummyyyy
A 2 Z Vegetarian Cuisine says
Looks delicious, nice photo.I think Savoury Oatmeal tastes much better than the sweet one. I add few more things yogurt, hing, curry leaves, coriander and little bit of lime.
sangi says
wow!Healthy combination…!tnx a lot Aparna…
Sunshinemom says
I like any kanji – sweet or salty:). Somehow kanji or porridge brings so much warmth and nice feelings! Give me some – I could do with some right now on a rainy night!
Jayashree says
I like my oats with sugar or honey in it…..your version looks really tasty and colourful.
http://myerecipecorner.blogspo says
This recipe is different,healthy and looks yummy………
Red Chillies says
Very nice idea. Liked the concept of savory oatmeal.
Divya Kudua says
Oats is something which I disliked initially but acquired a taste for later on.I make oats porridge with milk+water for breakfast and it keeps me full until lunch time..:)Love the addition of veggies,should try this out:)
bindiya says
Never tried savory oats before, but this is definitely healthier and looks good too!
Suparna says
I’ve not made or taste savoury oats porridge yet, shall try it sometime. It looks like a bowl of health :)TC
jayasree says
Liked this idea of savory oats. Looks so colorful. I love my kanji salty. I always take my oats+milk kanji without sugar.
Raaga says
I usually have my oats porridge with molaga podi… love it savoury anyday! 🙂
♥♥♥Ria♥♥♥ says
What a healthy combo! 🙂
Curry Leaf says
I too prefer the savoury version now.Actually I used to hate oats as it was always used in sweet dishes and with milk.Now I am using it wherever I can.the porridge looks healthy and filling
Miri says
I hated the sweet milk oats porridge when I was a child, so Mum had to make it salty with buttermilk. Im sure I would love this veggie filled version – reminds me a bit of the daliya khichdi we make for breakfast…
Sharmila says
I too dislike it as sweet and gooey. But this looks almost like a soup. 🙂
Aparna says
I didn’t know so many did like savoury oatmeal. :A2Z, those are interesting additions.Raaga, with milagaipodi sounds good to me too. 🙂
Johanna says
Those oats look like something I want to try – I have never liked porridge but love oats in other food including soup – so will give it a go!