Healthy Oats Poha [Indian Savory Oats Hash]

Jump to Recipe

Try this wholesome Oats Poha recipe for a nutritious twist on a classic dish! Packed with fiber-rich oats, colorful veggies, and aromatic spices, it's a delicious and healthy breakfast option to kickstart your day.

Breakfast is an important meal of the day! A hearty, healthy breakfast, sets up your metabolism and you're more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day!

My family loves oats. We all enjoy oats, in any form. Sweet or savory, hot or cold, in the smoothies or desserts, or like this Oat Honey bread I often make at home.

Oats poha is my hubby's all-time favorite breakfast. He can eat it any time of the day. This dish is inspired by the Indian dish aloo poha.

I grew up devouring aloo poha and Dalia Khichdi (Savory Cracked Wheat Porridge). As a kid, I could eat aloo poha any time of the day. Aloo poha is made with flattened rice, potatoes, onions, and some Indian spices.

This oats poha is my healthier take on the aloo poha. I substituted old-fashioned oats for flattened rice and green peas for potatoes. We enjoy oats poha for breakfast, as a quick evening snack, or even as a side dish.

Do give this recipe a try, I am sure you are gonna love it. It's a quick, hearty, delicious, one-pot meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day!

Some of the other recipes I cook with oats are Oats Khichdi, Masala Oats, Oats Idli, Oats Aloo Tikki, Oats Dhokla, and Oats Chilla. I use oats in baking, for binding koftas, Tikki, kebabs, and flatbreads.

Jump to:

About Oats Poha
Ingredients For Oats Poha Recipe
How To Make Oats Poha
Storage
Tips
FAQ
Indian Breakfast Recipes
Healthy Oats Poha [Indian Savory Oats Hash]
Healthy Indian Recipes

About Oats Poha

Oats, known for their high fiber content and various essential nutrients, have gained popularity as a wholesome breakfast choice. In oats poha, traditional flattened rice is replaced with rolled oats, resulting in a dish that provides a balanced blend of taste, texture, and nutritional value.

This innovative take on poha not only maintains the comforting flavors of the original recipe but also offers the additional benefits of oats, making it a smart choice for those seeking a nutritious start to their day.

With its versatility, oats poha can be tailored to suit individual preferences. From the vibrant medley of finely chopped vegetables to the subtle kick of green chilies and fragrant curry leaves, each ingredient contributes to a harmonious flavor profile.

The warm and tangy touch of lemon juice adds a refreshing twist, while garnishes like fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut enhance its visual appeal.

Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack, oats poha stands as a testament to the culinary fusion between tradition and innovation.

As dietary preferences evolve, this dish serves as a delightful reminder that healthy eating needs not to compromise on taste or cultural heritage. For those seeking a nourishing and delicious option to fuel their day, oats poha emerges as a delightful choice.

Ingredients For Oats Poha Recipe

Here's a description of the ingredients commonly used in oats poha:

1. Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are whole oat groats that have been steamed and flattened with large rollers. They are a staple in many healthy diets due to their high fiber content, which supports digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Rolled oats also provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

2. Mixed Vegetables: Mixed vegetables are an integral part of oats poha, adding color, texture, and a range of nutrients. Commonly used vegetables include peas, carrots, potato, and bell peppers. These vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, enhancing the overall nutritional value of the dish.

3. Onion: Onions add flavor and depth to oats poha. They are often finely chopped and sautéed to release their sweetness and aroma. Onions also contain antioxidants and compounds that may offer health benefits.

4. Green Chilies: Green chilies provide a subtle heat to the dish. Their spiciness can be adjusted according to taste. Chilies contain capsaicin, which is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting metabolism.

5. Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are aromatic leaves used in Indian cooking to infuse dishes with a distinctive flavor. They have potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing oxidative stress due to their antioxidants.

6. Mustard Seeds and Cumin Seeds: Mustard seeds and cumin seeds are commonly used for tempering in Indian cuisine. They impart a burst of flavor when heated in oil and add depth to the dish. Cumin seeds are also known for their digestive properties.

7. Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder contributes a warm golden hue to oats poha and offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's a staple in Indian cooking and is known for its potential health benefits.

8. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing element to the oats poha. It provides a burst of acidity that balances the flavors and complements the other ingredients.

9. Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, are used as a garnish. They add a fresh, herby aroma and a pop of green color to the dish.

10. Roasted Peanuts (Optional): Adds crunchiness and added protein to the oats poha.

How To Make Oats Poha

Here's how to make healthy and nutritious Oats Poha recipe:

Add the oats to a sieve. Rinse them under running water for a few minutes or the water runs clear. Place the sieve in a bowl, and let the water drain completely, around 10 minutes.
In a Kadai or a pan, heat oil. Add raw peanuts or nuts of choice. Fry the peanuts for a few minutes, or light golden brown. Remove the peanuts and set them aside.
Next, add cumin seeds. Let the seeds crackle. Add hing, chopped onion, curry leaves, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
Now add tomatoes, green chili, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix well. Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened.
Add green peas, oats, and salt to taste. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water and mix well. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the oats are softened.
Turn OFF the heat. Give a couple of minutes of resting time. Serve warm, garnish with peanuts, freshly chopped cilantro, and some freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Enjoy healthy oats poha with a cup of chai!

Storage

Oats poha stays good for up to a week in the refrigerator. Store it in an air-tight container. Add a splash of water, reheat and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness.

It's a perfect make-ahead breakfast or a healthy snack. Enjoy warm poha with a cup of chai!

Tips

Use a sieve to wash the oats. I run the sieve under running water and give the oats a thorough rinse. Rinse the oats well till the water runs clear. Place the sieve in a bowl, and allow extra water to drain for around 10 minutes. This 10 minutes helps soften the oats.
Some like to soak the oats in the water, I do not prefer soaking the oats. The oats turn out mushy and something I don't personally enjoy eating. If you like oats to be on a very soft side or slightly mushy, feel free to soak the oats. Soak the oats in water for no more than 5 minutes. Drain the water and use the oats in the recipe.
You can add any veggies of your choice. If adding potatoes, make sure to cook the potatoes before adding oats. Since potatoes take longer to cook than oats, add them along with the onions.
Curry leaves give a pleasant flavor and aroma to the poha. You can skip it if you don't like it or can't find it.
I used Thai green chili, as we like oats poha spicy. You can use any milder chili, such as serrano, or entirely skip it.
Peanuts add a nice crunch to the poha. Feel free to add nuts of your choice, or skip it to make it nut-free. I used raw nuts, and lightly fry them in the oil. You can use roasted peanuts in the recipe and skip this step.
Lastly, don't forget to drizzle some freshly squeezed lemon juice. It adds a lot of flavor to this dish.

FAQ

What is the difference between oats and poha?

Oats are whole grains that are processed by steaming and flattening, resulting in rolled oats commonly used in breakfast dishes. Poha, on the other hand, is made from flattened rice flakes and is a traditional Indian dish often prepared as a breakfast or snack option.

Is poha made of oats?

No, poha is not made of oats. Poha is a traditional Indian dish made from flattened rice flakes, while oats are a different type of whole grain that is processed into rolled oats for various culinary uses.

How many calories are in oats and poha?

The calorie content of oats and poha can vary based on serving size and preparation methods. On average, 1 cup of cooked oats contains around 150-180 calories, while 1 cup of cooked poha typically contains about 150-170 calories.

What is oats UPMA made of?

Oats Upma is typically made with rolled oats, which are cooked and seasoned with ingredients like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, chopped vegetables, and spices. It's a variation of the traditional Upma dish, using oats as the primary grain for a healthier and more nutritious breakfast option.