Oats Idli

I can't stand oats porridge and I don't like the ready mixes or flavored oats in market these days. My hubby loves the saffola pepper flavored curried oats but I hate it to the core. But with my mom-in-law's arrival I was forced to experiment with oats and though it isn't mu favorite meal, I find these idlis made of oats edible. I won't say I love them more than the normal idli, I would even go for a ragi idli over an oats idli but I am force feeding myself these days because I have been advised to have oats and other millets to avoid gestational diabetes. However, I am  always enthusiastic when it comes to making things from scratch. My sis tells me she uses MTR packets for making rava idli and many other breakfast items. Now I am dead against instant mixes because I don't find them economically viable and they can't beat the flavors and freshness of the home made breakfast items. Initially we used to buy ready made dosa batter  but, ever since I shifted back to my own batter I see a world's difference in the idlis I make. Now people who work might tell me it isn't feasible. And I won't argue with them, but I know a lot many working folk who still find time for making it from scratch because they won't compromise over the real flavor. Basically rava ( semolina) and oats idli mixes can be prepared in advance. The ready mixes you get are nothing but rava and oats fried with some dried veggies, dals and curry leaves. And all you are expected to do is add some curd and let the batter stand for some time before steaming them. The same mix can be prepared in minutes at the spot or fried and be stored for future use. I don't find any part of it tedious. If you do plan to make these on a regular basis this should not be a tough task. After all it's about how much you  love the food you eat- Are you willing to walk that extra mile to make something healthy for yourself ? Once you find how easy this is I am sure you will say bye to all those mixes :)

Ingredients for Oats idli

Oats- 1 cup

Rava/Semolina (I  use wheat rava it's healthy)- 1/2 cup
Yogurt- 1 cup
Carrot- 1 grated
Salt- to taste
Eno/ Cooking Soda - 1/2 tsp

For tempering
Mustard Seeds- 1/2 tsp
Split black gram dal ( urad dal)-  1 tsp
Asafoetida- 1/4 tsp
Green Chillies- 2
Curry leaves- 1 sprig
Oil- 2 tsp

Direction

Heat oil in  a pan and add the mustard seeds once they splutter add the black gram dal. Fry till the gram turns red. Now add the green chillies, curry leaves, asafoetida and grated carrots. Saute for 2 minutes before adding the semolina and saute again for 4 minutes. Cool this mixture for few minutes. Now add the powdered oats and yogurt and salt. Mix well. Add water to make a dosa like batter. Meanwhile grease the idli  plates and just when you are ready to pour the batter add the eno to the batter. The batter will now look fizzy mix it for  a second or two and pour them onto the idli plates. Steam the idlis for 15 minutes and serve with chutney or sambar.

I made a ridge gourd chutney to accompany this idli. The recipe for the chutney can be found here http://ooonuready.blogspot.in/2013/11/kal-dosa-and-ridge-gourd-chutney.html. The idlis were softer than the rava idlis I normally make and I attribute this difference to the addition of Eno. I personally prefer it over cooking soda. So that's another recipe to the health section/ diabetic section. Hope you try these and let me know your experience.