Start your day on a wholesome note with this Oats Upma, a nutritious twist on the classic South Indian breakfast. Made with roasted rolled oats, crunchy vegetables, and a blend of mild spices, this dish is light on the stomach yet keeps you full for hours. Unlike regular semolina upma, oats add more fiber and goodness, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy mornings. Pair it with coconut chutney, curd, or enjoy it plain—it’s comforting, delicious, and absolutely guilt-free. With every bite, you’ll feel the warmth of homemade food and the satisfaction of eating something that’s both tasty and nourishing.

Tips to Make Perfect Oats Upma

• Always choose rolled oats over instant oats for a heartier and less mushy texture. 
• Always roast the oats before cooking to avoid mushiness. 
• Add more vegetables like capsicum, corn, or spinach to make it extra nutritious. 
• You can replace oil with ghee for a richer flavor.

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rolled Oats – 1 cup 
• Water – 2 cups 
• Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped) 
• Green Chili – 1–2 (slit or chopped) 
• Ginger – 1 teaspoon (grated or finely chopped) 
• Carrot – 1 small (diced) 
• Beans – 6–7 (chopped) 
• Green Peas – 2 tablespoons (fresh or frozen) 
• Tomato – 1 small (optional, finely chopped) 
• Curry Leaves – 6–8 
• Mustard Seeds – ½ teaspoon 
• Urad Dal (split black gram) – 1 teaspoon 
• Chana Dal (split Bengal gram) – 1 teaspoon 
• Cashews – 6–8 (optional, for crunch) 
• Oil or Ghee – 1½ tablespoons 
• Salt—to taste 
• Turmeric – 1/2 tablespoons
• Coriander Leaves – for garnishing 
• Lemon Juice – 1 teaspoon (for freshness) 

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Roast the Oats

• Heat a pan on medium flame and dry roast the oats for 3–4 minutes until they turn slightly crisp and aromatic.
  Move the roasted oats to a plate and let them rest. This step helps prevent stickiness while cooking. 

Step 2: Prepare the Tempering

           In the same pan, heat oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal, chana dal, and cashews. Fry till golden brown. Toss in curry leaves, green chili, and ginger. Sauté for a few seconds. Add onions and cook over medium heat until they soften and turn a light golden color. Now add carrots, beans, and peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crunchy. Add turmeric and tomatoes to the pan. Fry till mushy

 

Step 4: Cook the Upma

• Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt, and let it come to a boil. As the water starts boiling, lower the heat and gradually add the roasted oats, stirring well to keep the mixture smooth. Cover and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed the water and become soft. 

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Turn off the flame and add a splash of lemon juice. 
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. 
• Serve hot with coconut chutney, pickle, or simply enjoy it plain! 

Serving Suggestions

Oats Upma pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh coconut chutney 
• Green coriander chutney 
• A side of curd or buttermilk 

It’s a light yet satisfying dish that makes an excellent breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner.

Final Thought:

Oats upma is a fantastic way to include oats in your daily meals without compromising on taste. It’s a guilt-free dish that is comforting, filling, and packed with nutrients. Try it once, and you’ll surely add it to your regular breakfast menu.

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