Come December and my eggs and toast turn into oatmeal for breakfast. Because there is nothing like warm, creamy oats to make you feel like you can take on the world!
I’ve never been a big fan of eating a sweet breakfast and so I usually end up making savory oatmeal for breakfast. And over the years, I’ve come up with many variations so that breakfast is never a boring affair!
Don’t think oats mean just porridge, because you can do so much more with them and I’m going to show you how. I usually start my day with Horlicks Oats because their instant oats are fast to cook, really easy to make and taste delicious no matter how you cook them. Oats also make you feel fuller for longer so that you don’t reach out for a bag of chips mid-morning.
I’ve put together five incredibly easy recipes for you that are sure to up your savory oatmeal game! These recipes are a favorite and you will be amazed at how versatile a bag of instant oats can be. These recipes take under 30 minutes to make and each one of them are completely different in taste so that breakfast is never boring again.
Mexican Oatmeal Bowl
This Mexican oatmeal bowl is the healthier version of a Mexican breakfast bowl. The oatmeal is seasoned with all the spices that go into your favorite taco, and then topped with salsa, corn, avocado, jalapenos and cheddar. Super simple to make but you’ll feel like a king when you dig into this!
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ¾ cup quick cooking Oats
- ½ teaspoon Taco Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika Powder
- ½ teaspoon Lime Juice
- 2 cups Water
- Salt to taste
- Corn, Salsa, grated Cheddar, Avocado and Jalapeno for topping
Heat oil in a pot and add garlic. Cook for 15 seconds till fragrant and add oats, taco seasoning, paprika powder, lime juice, water and salt. Mix well and bring everything to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes till the oats are cooked and the mixture has thickened up. This should take 3-4 minutes. Add a little more water to reach consistency that you like. Top with corn, salsa, grated cheddar, avocado and jalapeno. Serve hot.
Oats Dosa or Pancakes
Oats are the easiest thing to make dosas with. The simple batter is made with instant oats and rice flour which is flavored with chilies and ginger. The next time you crave dosas at home and want something healthier, these oats dosas or pancakes will make your day.
Recipe:
- 1 cup cooked Beetroot
- 1 mediumOnion, roughly chopped
- 1 Green Chilli, chopped
- ½ inch fresh Ginger, peeled and chopped
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- ½tsp Corinader Powder
- A pinch of Asafetida
- ½ cup Yogurt
- ½ cup Oats
- ¼ cup Rice Flour
- ¼ cup Chickpea Flour
- 1 tablespoon Oil + extra for cooking
- Salt to taste
Blend all the ingredients in a blender till smooth. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps the oats absorb some of the liquid. Heat a pan or griddle, and spray or brush with a little oil. Pour half a cup of batter with ladle in the center and spread it with the back of the ladle. Sprinkle a teaspoon of oil around the edges of the dosa and cook till golden brown and crisp. Repeat for the remaining batter. Serve with your favorite chutney.
Garlic Oats with Eggs
This is definitely our favorite go to breakfast when we don’t have the time to make something elaborate. Cook the instant oats with garlic and olive oil and top it with a fried egg and you have a breakfast that’s high in fiber and protein. Plus, that runny yolk mixes with oats and creates the creamiest breakfast combination.
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon Oil
- 2 – 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup quick cooking Oats
- 2 cups Water
- ¼ cup mild Cheddar, grated
- 2 teaspoons chopped Basil
- For the eggs:
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 2 Eggs
- ½ teaspoon Paprika or Chili Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped Coriander
Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 15 seconds and add oats. Stir the oats for a few seconds and add all the water, salt and pepper. Bring this to a quick boil, and simmer for 3-4 minutes, by which time, the mixture would have thickened up into a porridge like consistency and the oats will be cooked. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if required. Just before taking oats off the stove, add cheese and basil and mix. In a non-stick pan, add the olive oil and fry the eggs one by one. Top each egg with salt and paprika or chili powder.
To serve, divide the oats equally into two bowls. Top each bowl with a fried egg, sprinkle with more paprika and chopped coriander.
Oats Khichdi
This healthy khichdi loaded with vegetables tastes just like the real deal, and is a take on the South Indian Pongal which is a nutritious, hearty breakfast option. Leftovers also make for a great lunch or dinner which is why a big pot of this will keep you happy all day!
Recipe:
- ½ cup Moong Dal
- 1 tablespoon Ghee
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- ½ inch piece Ginger, grated
- 1 green Chilli, chopped finely
- 1 cup chopped Vegetables (I used carrots, cauliflower, green peas)
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 cup Oats
- 3 ½ cups Water
- Salt to taste
- Soak the moong dal in some water till you are ready to add it to the recipe.
Heat ghee in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start spluttering add ginger and green chilies. Cook for a minute till the ginger is fragrant and add the chopped vegetables, turmeric, oats. Drain the moong dal and add it to the cooker along with 3 ½ cups water and salt. Bring this to pressure and cook for two whistles. Let the pressure release naturally. Serve hot topped with more ghee.
Mushroom Oats
Mushroom oats is a creamy breakfast oatmeal that has the earthiness of mushrooms combined with delicious Asian flavors. Top it with a poached egg, a dash of soy sauce and green onions and take this simple mushroom oatmeal to the next level!
Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon Oil
- ¼ teaspoon grated Ginger
- 1 cup quick cooking Oats
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 cups Water
- ¼ cup mild Cheddar, grated
- 2 teaspoons chopped Basil
- For the Mushrooms:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup sliced Mushrooms
- A pinch of salt
Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pan and add grated ginger. Sauté the ginger for 30 seconds and add oats. Stir the oats for a few seconds and add all the water, salt and pepper. Bring this to a quick boil, and simmer for 3-4 minutes, by which time, the mixture would have thickened up into a porridge like consistency and the oats will be cooked. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if required. In a non-stick pan, heat olive oil and add the mushrooms. Cook on high heat for a few minutes till mushrooms are golden brown. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
To serve, top with oats with mushrooms, poached egg, a dash of soy sauce and green onions.
Blogger: Richa Gupta
Disclaimer: The Author Richa Gupta is a known food blogger at https://myfoodstory.com and contributor with Onlymyhealth. The views expressed are her own and may not necessarily reflect the views of OMH.