Masala Oats ....aka Oats Upma

Never thought I would try this !  As a child, porridge and oats were synonymous.  No fancy quick cooking oats either.  It was a process.  Unappetizing. Filling. And we were told it was healthy for us. The only thing I liked about this sort of breakfast were the special porridge plates that we had with a deep spoon.

I thought I would attempt using Oats after the younger one told me she had made it.  That it tasted good.  Of course, she made it with an Italian touch - she put in oregano and mixed herbs.  She would add those ingredients in everything if she could!  Then my bro wanted some packs of masala oats from India (  it has always been the other way around - anyone coming back from a stay abroad would come back with sachets of various flavoured oats ).  And coincidentally as I was toying with the idea of making the Indianised oats recipe, Jeyashri posted Oats Upma on her site.

So here it is.. .if you are not averse to Oats, and want the Indian touch try this.

Ingredients: (serves 2 )
Rolled Oats - the quick cooking variety - 1 cup
Water - 1/2 cup approximately
Veggies - carrots, capsicum - finely chopped , peas
Onion - 1 medium - chopped
Green chilie -1 ( slit)
Curry leaves - few
Ginger - 1/2 " piece - finely chopped
Black gram (Urad) dal - 1/2 tsp
Hing (asafoetida) - a pinch
Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder (dhania) - 1/2 tsp  (optional )
Oil - 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Lime juice - A good squeeze - optional
Garam masala powder - pinch - optional

Roast the oats for a few minutes.  Ensure that it does not brown or burn
Take a pan - place on heat - add the oil
The urad dal, mustard.   Allow the mustard to crackle.
Put in the curry leaves, asafoetida, green chilie, ginger
Sauté 
Add onion sauté till transparent.  Then the chopped vegetables.
If needed add a little water and allow to cook
Add the salt.
Put in the turmeric powder, dhania and garam masala powder - the last two are optional
When the veggies are tender add the roasted oats
And then add water cautiously.

Cover for a couple of minutes.  Lift lid and check
If need be, sprinkle a little more water till you get the required consistency.
Squeeze lime if required

Oats upma should be served hot.

Note :Chopped tomatoes may be added too