Oats Vegetable Recipe – Easy Indian Savory Oats with Beans & Carrots

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oats Vegetable Recipe – Easy Indian Savory Oats with Beans & Carrots

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – oats aren’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Indian food, right? But trust me on this one! This savory oats recipe, packed with veggies like beans and carrots, is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s become a regular in my kitchen. I first made this when I was looking for a quick, healthy weeknight meal, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra goodness, and honestly, it just tastes good. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your typical sweet oatmeal! This Indian-spiced oats recipe is:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy days.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Oats are a fantastic source of fiber, and the veggies add a boost of vitamins.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The tempering and spices create a delicious savory experience.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables and spice levels.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful oats vegetable dish:

• 1 cup Rolled oats
• 2 tbsp Oil of your choice
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 sprigs Curry leaves
• ½ – 1 tsp Whole mustard seeds
• 2 Green chillies
• 10-12 Green beans (chopped)
• 1 large Carrot (chopped)
• 1 medium Tomato (chopped)
• 1 tsp Ginger paste
• ½ – 1 tsp Red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• ¼ – ½ tsp Black pepper powder
• ¼ cup Roasted peanuts
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips from my kitchen to yours!

Rolled Oats: Types & Soaking Considerations

I prefer rolled oats for this recipe because they hold their shape nicely. You can use quick-cooking oats in a pinch, but the texture will be softer. If using rolled oats, rinsing them 3-4 times and soaking in boiling water for about 15 minutes helps reduce the sliminess. Don’t bother with steel-cut oats for this one – they take way too long to cook!

Oil Choice: Regional Variations & Health Benefits

I usually use vegetable oil, but you can use any oil you prefer. Many South Indian families swear by using gingelly (sesame) oil for tempering – it adds a lovely nutty flavor. Coconut oil is also a delicious option!

Curry Leaves: Fresh vs. Dried & Their Aromatic Impact

Fresh curry leaves are always best! They have a much more vibrant aroma. If you can’t find fresh, you can use dried, but use about half the amount as they’re less potent.

Mustard Seeds: Black vs. Yellow & Tempering Techniques

Both black and yellow mustard seeds work well. Black mustard seeds are a bit more pungent. The key to tempering is to wait until the seeds start to pop before adding the curry leaves – that’s when the flavor is released.

Spice Level: Adjusting Red Chilli Powder for Your Preference

I like a mild kick, so I usually use about ½ tsp of red chilli powder. Feel free to adjust this based on your spice tolerance! Kashmiri chilli powder will give you a beautiful color with minimal heat.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse the rolled oats 3-4 times under cold water. Soak them in boiling water for about 15 minutes. (If you’re using quick oats, you can skip the soaking step.)
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter and pop – this is important!
3. Add the curry leaves and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Now, add the chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
5. Toss in the chopped beans and carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
6. Add the ginger paste and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
7. Stir in the red chilli powder and black pepper powder. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems too dry.
8. Drain the soaked oats and add them to the pan. Mix well to combine everything.
9. Cover the pan and cook on low flame for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the oats start to stick, add a little water – but sparingly!
10. Adjust the salt to your taste.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and roasted peanuts. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years…

Achieving the Right Consistency: Preventing Sticky Oats

The key to avoiding sticky oats is to use just enough water. You want the oats to be cooked through but not mushy.

Tempering Spices: Avoiding Burning & Maximizing Flavor

Keep a close eye on the mustard seeds – they burn quickly! Lower the heat if they start to darken too fast.

Vegetable Preparation: Size & Cooking Time

Chopping the vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly.

Soaking Oats: Quick vs. Rolled Oats – Which to Choose?

Soaking rolled oats makes them easier to digest and reduces cooking time. Quick oats don’t need soaking, but it won’t hurt!

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check that your oil doesn’t contain any animal products.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you have a severe gluten intolerance, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

Spice Level Adjustment: Mild, Medium, Hot

• Mild: ¼ tsp red chilli powder
• Medium: ½ tsp red chilli powder
• Hot: ¾ – 1 tsp red chilli powder (or more, if you dare!)

Festival Adaptation: Navratri-Friendly Version (using permissible ingredients)

During Navratri, you can skip the onions and garlic and use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

Serving Suggestions

This savory oats dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of yogurt (raita)
• A simple Indian salad (kachumber)
• A cup of chai

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.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is this recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits of oats?

Absolutely! Oats are packed with fiber, which is great for digestion. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, the veggies add a healthy dose of nutrients.

Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats? Will the cooking time change?

Yes, you can! The cooking time will be reduced to about 5-7 minutes. Just skip the soaking step.

What other vegetables can I add to this oats recipe?

Feel free to experiment! Peas, potatoes, cauliflower, and spinach all work well.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more red chilli powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped green chilli.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? How should I reheat it?

You can prep the vegetables ahead of time. Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.