Oats Khichdi is a healthy recipe and comforting meal, perfect as a nutritious alternative to rice khichdi. It combines oats, moong dal, and veggies for a filling dish. Moreover, its high fiber and protein make it ideal for a light, weight-loss-friendly meal!
Jump to:
- Why You'll ❤️ Love This Recipe
- 🩵 About Oats Khichdi Recipe
- Health Benefits of Oats Khichdi
- Why Choose Oats for Khichdi? 🍚
- Different Types of Oats Khichdi 🍚
- What you Need to Make This Oats Khichdi Recipe 🌿🥄
- How to Make Oats Khichdi Recipe 🍲🌾
- 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 📖 Variations
- 📦 Storage
- 🌟 Tips for Success
- ❔FAQs
Why You'll ❤️ Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious 🥦: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this khichdi is a great way to eat healthy and feel full.
- Quick & Easy to Make ⏱️: It’s super fast to cook, making it the perfect meal when you’re in a hurry!
- Light Yet Filling 💪: Even though it’s light, oats khichdi keeps you satisfied, so it’s great for any time of the day.
- Customizable 🧑🍳: You can add your favorite veggies and spices, making it fun to make every time!
- Comfort Food 🛋️: Just like a cozy hug, it’s perfect for rainy days or when you need something comforting.
🩵 About Oats Khichdi Recipe
The Oats Khichdi Recipe likely originated in India, where it’s sometimes called "Oats Pongal" in southern regions.
It’s a healthier twist on the traditional khichdi, which is made with rice and lentils. By using oats, this dish becomes even more nutritious.
Oats are rich in fiber and essential nutrients, making this khichdi a popular choice for health-conscious people. It’s low in calories, making it a great option for those managing their weight.
The combination of oats and moong dal provides a perfect balance of carbs and protein, leaving you satisfied.
Growing up, my family loved making it on rainy days. It was a cozy comfort food that brought us together.
My grandmother always used fresh greens from her garden, which made the dish even better. A tip I cherish is to sauté the spices until fragrant, as it makes the dish extra flavorful!
Here are some more tasty recipes you might enjoy: 🌱 Moong Dal Cheela, 🍽️ Green Moong Dal Cheela, 🍛 Sambar Rice, 🍲 Moong Dal Recipe
Health Benefits of Oats Khichdi
- 💪 High in Protein and Fiber: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting digestion and keeping you full longer.
- ❤️ Heart Health: Oats help lower cholesterol, making this dish heart-healthy.
- 🌱 Digestive Health: Moong dal and oats support gut health, while spices aid in digestion.
- 🥗 Weight Loss: Low in calories, making it a perfect option for weight management.
Why Choose Oats for Khichdi? 🍚
1. Nutritional Benefits 💪: Oats are packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, and essential vitamins, which help boost your health! Plus, they have a low glycemic index, making them great for stable energy.
2. Quick and Easy ⏱️: Oats cook much faster than rice or dal, so it’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal when you're short on time.
3. Gluten-Free Option 🚫🌾: Oats are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions or those avoiding gluten.
Different Types of Oats Khichdi 🍚
- 🌶️ Spicy Oats Khichdi: Add more chili, ginger, or garlic for extra heat!
- 🇮🇳 South Indian Style: Mix in coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and roasted chana dal for a regional twist.
- 🧀 Oats Khichdi with Paneer: Add paneer cubes for a protein-packed meal.
- 🍲 One-Pot Meal: Make it easy by cooking in an Instant Pot, pressure cooker, or stovetop.
What you Need to Make This Oats Khichdi Recipe 🌿🥄
🥘 Recipe Ingredients:
Ingredient Notes:
- Oats 🌾: The main ingredient, high in fiber and nutrients.
- Moong Dal 🌱: Adds protein and makes the dish filling.
- Vegetables 🥕🍅: Carrots, peas, and beans add flavor and vitamins.
- Spices 🌶️: Cumin, turmeric, and ginger for a warm, flavorful kick.
- Ghee/Oil 🧈: For sautéing spices and adding richness.
- Salt 🧂: To taste, enhances flavor.
- Water 💧: Helps cook the oats and dal to a soft consistency.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Oats Khichdi Recipe 🍲🌾
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Moong Dal 🌱🍽️
- Rinse and Cook: First, rinse the moong dal well under running water until the water is clear. This helps get rid of any dirt. Next, add the rinsed dal to a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water. Cook it for 2-3 whistles until the dal is soft and mushy. Once the dal is ready, set it aside!
2. Saute the Vegetables 🥕🍅🌶️
- Heat the Ghee or Oil: First, take a large pan or kadai and heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add the Spices: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
- Cook the Vegetables: Next, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. After that, toss in the chopped tomatoes, diced carrots, and green peas. Cook everything for a few minutes until the vegetables are soft. In fact, the vegetables add both flavor and nutrition to the dish!
3. Cook the Oats 🥣🌾🔥
- Add the Oats: Now that the vegetables are soft, it's time to add the rolled oats to the pan.
- Mix in the Spices: After that, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Then, stir everything together really well.
- Add Water and Dal: Next, pour in 1 cup of water and add the cooked moong dal. Mix everything together, making sure the oats and dal are evenly combined. You want a nice, smooth mixture!
4. Simmer and Serve 🍲⏳✨
- Cook the Khichdi: First, cover the pan and let the khichdi simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. During this time, the oats will cook fully and soak up the water. Soon, you’ll see the khichdi getting thicker and creamy. Finally, taste it and add more seasoning if you think it needs it!
- Garnish and Serve: First, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top of the Oats Khichdi. Then, serve it hot with a side of yogurt or pickle to make it even tastier!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Yogurt! 🥄 Add creamy yogurt on the side for a cool, refreshing touch that perfectly complements the khichdi! 😋
- Extra Flavor! 🌶️ Pair with tangy pickle or spicy chutney for an added kick that takes the dish to the next level! 🔥
- Flexible Meal! 🍽️ Enjoy it as a filling breakfast to start your day 🌅, or have it as a cozy lunch 🍴.
- For Dinner! 🥗 For a light dinner, pair it with a simple salad 🥒 or roasted veggies 🍠 for a balanced, tasty meal! 😍
📖 Variations
- Spice it up! 🌶️ Try adding garam masala, coriander powder, or a bit of ginger for warmth. For extra heat, sprinkle chili powder. A pinch of hing (asafoetida) can also enhance the flavor. ✨
- Add Veggies! 🥦🌶️ Include bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition. Fresh greens like methi or coriander bring a burst of freshness! 🌱
- Boost Protein! 🍳🧀 Add paneer cubes, boiled eggs, or cooked lentils for a more filling, protein-packed meal! 💪
- Regional Twists! 🌍 Add coconut and curry leaves for a South Indian touch, or mustard seeds and ghee for a North Indian flavor. Each twist gives your khichdi a unique flair! 🌶️🌾
📦 Storage
- ❄️ Cool Down: Let the khichdi cool completely before storing it.
- 🥡 Store: Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- 🔥 Reheat on Stovetop: Add a little water, then heat on low while stirring occasionally to keep it moist.
- 🍽️ Microwave Option: Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it soft and prevent it from drying out.
🌟 Tips for Success
- Achieving the Right Consistency: To get the right texture, use a good mix of oats and water. Generally, 1 cup of oats to 2-3 cups of water works well. If you want it thicker, use less water; if you prefer it soupier, add more.
- Avoiding Mushiness: To stop the khichdi from becoming mushy, don't overcook the oats. Cook them just until they're tender, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Using rolled oats is best because they keep their shape better than instant oats.
- Enhancing Flavor: Start by sautéing spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric in oil. Then, add the oats and water. You can also mix in veggies like peas, carrots, and beans for extra flavor and nutrition. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end makes it even tastier.
- Resting Time: Finally, let the khichdi sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors blend together and makes the texture better.
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
❔FAQs
To make Oats Khichdi for babies, first cook the oats and moong dal until they are really soft and easy to mash. Next, skip strong spices but feel free to add a tiny bit of turmeric and cumin powder for a mild taste. You can also mix in finely chopped or pureed veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. Lastly, make sure the khichdi is smooth so it's easier for your baby to digest.
Yes, Oats Khichdi is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check the packaging to ensure that the oats have not been processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains.
Oats Khichdi offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion, promoting weight loss, and providing a balanced meal rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. It’s also easy to digest, making it a great option for those with a sensitive stomach.
A serving of Oats Khichdi typically contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It's a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal that's ideal for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
Oats Khichdi Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Rolled oats
- ½ Cup Moong dal (yellow lentils)
- 1 Small onion, finely chopped
- 1 Small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 Carrot, diced
- ½ Cup Green peas
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 Cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Ghee or oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions
Prepare the Moong Dal
- Rinse and Cook: First, rinse the moong dal well under running water until the water is clear. This helps get rid of any dirt. Next, add the rinsed dal to a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water. Cook it for 2-3 whistles until the dal is soft and mushy. Once the dal is ready, set it aside!
Saute the Vegetables
- Heat the Ghee or Oil: First, take a large pan or kadai and heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add the Spices: Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
- Cook the Vegetables: Next, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. After that, toss in the chopped tomatoes, diced carrots, and green peas. Cook everything for a few minutes until the vegetables are soft. In fact, the vegetables add both flavor and nutrition to the dish!
Cook the Oats
- Add the Oats: Now that the vegetables are soft, it's time to add the rolled oats to the pan.
- Mix in the Spices: After that, sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Then, stir everything together really well.
- Add Water and Dal: Next, pour in 1 cup of water and add the cooked moong dal. Mix everything together, making sure the oats and dal are evenly combined. You want a nice, smooth mixture!
Simmer and Save
- Cook the Khichdi: First, cover the pan and let the khichdi simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. During this time, the oats will cook fully and soak up the water. Soon, you’ll see the khichdi getting thicker and creamy. Finally, taste it and add more seasoning if you think it needs it!
- Garnish and Serve: First, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top of the Oats Khichdi. Then, serve it hot with a side of yogurt or pickle to make it even tastier!
Notes
Variations
You can try different spices like garam masala, coriander powder, or a bit of ginger for warmth. If you want it spicy, add a dash of chili powder. A pinch of asafoetida (hing) also makes it taste better. Add colorful veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition. Finely chopped greens like methi (fenugreek) or coriander can add freshness. For extra protein, mix in paneer cubes, boiled eggs, or cooked lentils. This makes the dish more filling and healthy. You can also give it a regional twist! Add coconut and curry leaves for a South Indian flavor, or use mustard seeds and a bit of ghee for a traditional North Indian taste. Each twist adds something special to the khichdi!Tips for Success
- Achieving the Right Consistency: To get the right texture, use a good mix of oats and water. Generally, 1 cup of oats to 2-3 cups of water works well. If you want it thicker, use less water; if you prefer it soupier, add more.
- Avoiding Mushiness: To stop the khichdi from becoming mushy, don't overcook the oats. Cook them just until they're tender, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Using rolled oats is best because they keep their shape better than instant oats.
- Enhancing Flavor: Start by sautéing spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric in oil. Then, add the oats and water. You can also mix in veggies like peas, carrots, and beans for extra flavor and nutrition. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end makes it even tastier.
- Resting Time: Finally, let the khichdi sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors blend together and makes the texture better.
Leave a Reply