Oats Uttapam Recipe- Quick & Easy Carrot Oats Pancakes

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oats Uttapam Recipe – Quick & Easy Carrot Oats Pancakes

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – mornings can be crazy. Especially if you’re trying to get a healthy, home-cooked breakfast on the table. I totally get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share this Oats Uttapam recipe with you. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra goodness. These aren’t your traditional uttapam, but trust me, the oats add a lovely texture and a boost of nutrition. I first made these when I was trying to find a way to get my kids to eat more oats, and they’ve been a hit ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Oats Uttapam recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend breakfasts. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and spices. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on a classic South Indian snack. These little pancakes are packed with fiber and nutrients, keeping you full and energized.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Oats Uttapam:

• 1 cup oats
• 3 tablespoons rice flour (about 30g)
• ½ cup thick curd / yogurt (about 120ml)
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda (0.125 tsp)
• 1 grated carrot (about 100g)
• 6 small onions, chopped finely
• ½ teaspoon red chilli powder (about 2.5g)
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped (about 10g)
• Oil, as required
• 1 teaspoon cooking oil (for tempering)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (about 7g)
• ½ teaspoon urad dal (about 2.5g)
• 2 teaspoons curry leaves (about 6g)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Oats: Types and Nutritional Benefits
I prefer using rolled oats for this recipe, as they provide a nice texture. Quick-cooking oats work in a pinch, but the uttapam might be a little softer. Oats are a fantastic source of fiber, which is great for digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Rice Flour: Regional Variations & Substitutions
Rice flour helps bind the uttapam and gives it a slightly crispy texture. You can use any type of rice flour – idli rice flour works particularly well. If you don’t have rice flour, you can try using semolina (rava) as a substitute, but it will change the texture slightly.

Curd/Yogurt: Using Homemade vs. Store-Bought
I usually use homemade curd (dahi) because it has a lovely tang. But store-bought yogurt works just fine too! Make sure it’s thick and not too watery. Greek yogurt is a great option if you want extra protein.

Unique Spice Blend: The Role of Red Chilli Powder
Red chilli powder adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful color. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking – I like to keep it mild for the kids. You can also add a pinch of turmeric powder for extra flavor and health benefits.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, dry roast the oats in a pan for about 2 minutes, until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Set them aside to cool.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Let them splutter – that’s when you know the flavors are releasing.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, stir in the grated carrots and cook until the raw smell disappears. Sprinkle in the red chilli powder and mix well.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted oats, sautéed veggies, rice flour, curd, baking soda, and coriander leaves. Add salt to taste. Mix everything together until you get a semi-thick batter – it should be similar to the consistency of uttapam batter.
5. Grease a paniyaram pan with oil. Pour the batter into each mold, filling it about ¾ full.
6. Cover the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. Once the top sets, flip the uttapam and cook until golden brown on both sides.
7. Serve hot with coconut chutney or your favorite spicy dip!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter – a little lumpiness is okay.
• Make sure the pan is hot before pouring in the batter.
• If the uttapam are sticking to the pan, add a little more oil.

Variations

This recipe is super adaptable! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegan Oats Uttapam: Substitute the curd with plant-based yogurt (like soy or almond yogurt).
Gluten-Free Oats Uttapam (Oat Certification): Ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats if you have a gluten intolerance. Regular oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
Spice Level Adjustment: My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a more complex flavor.
Festival Adaptations (Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri): During festivals, I sometimes add a little bit of grated coconut to the batter for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These Oats Uttapam are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a side of:

• Coconut chutney
• Sambar
• Spicy tomato chutney
• A dollop of yogurt

Storage Instructions

Leftover uttapam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a pan or microwave before serving. You can also freeze the uttapam for longer storage.

FAQs

What type of oats works best for this Uttapam recipe?
Rolled oats are my go-to, but quick-cooking oats will work too!

Can I make the batter ahead of time? If so, how long can it be stored?
Yes, you can! The batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a splash of water to thin it out before cooking.

Is it possible to steam the Uttapam instead of cooking it on a pan?
You can, but the texture will be different. Steaming will result in softer uttapam.

What is a good substitute for Urad Dal if I don’t have it on hand?
You can skip it altogether, or use a pinch of chana dal (split chickpeas) instead.

How can I adjust the sweetness level in this recipe?
This recipe isn’t meant to be sweet, but you can add a tiny bit of grated carrot or a pinch of sugar if you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables to the Uttapam? Which ones would you recommend?
Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, peas, spinach, or corn would all be delicious additions.