Moong Dal & Oats Porridge Recipe – Quick Indian Comfort Food

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Moong Dal & Oats Porridge Recipe – Quick Indian Comfort Food

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for comforting, healthy, and quick meals. This Moong Dal & Oats Porridge is exactly that – a warm hug in a bowl, ready in under 30 minutes. I first made this when I was craving something light yet satisfying, and it’s become a regular in my kitchen ever since. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, a light lunch, or even a comforting dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another porridge recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of Indian flavors and wholesome goodness. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and warming spices, making it incredibly nourishing. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can adjust the spice levels and add your favorite veggies to make it your own. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious porridge:

• ½ cup Oats (Rolled oats work best!)
• ½ cup Moong Dal (Yellow split moong dal)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 1 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Ghee/Oil
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper (Coarsely crushed)
• 1.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
• ¼ teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
• 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
• 2 Green chilli (slit)
• 1 sprig Curry leaves
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Moong Dal: The Protein Powerhouse

Moong dal is a fantastic source of protein and is incredibly easy to digest. It’s a staple in Indian cooking for a reason! You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.

Oats: Choosing the Right Type for Porridge

I prefer rolled oats for this recipe because they create a lovely creamy texture. Quick-cooking oats will work in a pinch, but the porridge won’t be quite as satisfying. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they take much longer to cook.

Spices: The Role of Black Pepper & Cumin

Don’t skip the black pepper and cumin! They add a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor. Crushing the black pepper releases its essential oils, giving you a more potent aroma and taste.

Asafoetida (Hing): A Digestive Aid & Flavor Enhancer

Asafoetida, or hing, might smell a little funky on its own, but trust me – it adds a unique savory flavor and is amazing for digestion. A little goes a long way!

Regional Variations in Tempering

Every family has their own way of doing the tadka (tempering)! Some add mustard seeds, others a pinch of red chili powder. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give the moong dal a good rinse. Then, add it to your pressure cooker with ?? cup of water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles, or until the dal is beautifully mushy.
2. While the dal is cooking, let’s prep the spices. Coarsely crush the black pepper and cumin seeds. Slit the green chilies lengthwise.
3. Now, heat the ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the asafoetida, crushed black pepper and cumin seeds, grated ginger, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant – this is the tadka!
4. Pour in 1 cup of water, add the turmeric powder and salt. Bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Add the cooked moong dal and oats to the pan. Stir well to combine everything.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the porridge reaches a lovely, creamy consistency. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this porridge even better:

• Achieving the Perfect Porridge Consistency: If the porridge is too thick, add a little more hot water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a bit longer.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of green chilies to suit your taste.
• Using Different Types of Dal: You can experiment with other dals like masoor dal (red lentils), but moong dal really shines in this recipe.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!

• Vegan Moong Dal & Oats Porridge: Simply substitute the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
• Gluten-Free Considerations: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that also handles gluten.
• Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Spicy): Reduce or omit the green chilies for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.
• Festival Adaptations (Navratri/Vrat Friendly): Skip the asafoetida and use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt for a vrat-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

This porridge is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• A dollop of yogurt or a swirl of coconut milk.
• A sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
• Served with a side of sambar or coconut chutney. My grandmother always served it with a little pickle!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this porridge suitable for babies? Yes, it is! Just make sure the porridge is cooled to a safe temperature and the spices are very mild. You can also blend it to a smoother consistency for younger babies.
• Can I make this porridge ahead of time? You can cook the moong dal ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, simply finish the recipe when you’re ready to eat.
• What can I add to make this porridge more flavorful? Sautéed vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas would be a delicious addition.
• Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats? While you can, it will significantly increase the cooking time. Rolled oats are definitely recommended for this recipe.
• What are the health benefits of moong dal and oats combined? This combination is a nutritional powerhouse! You get protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great way to start your day or fuel your body after a workout.

Enjoy! I hope you love this Moong Dal & Oats Porridge as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!