Masala Oats Recipe (Savory Oatmeal)

This simple Masala Oats recipe is a savory meal that can be made in just 20 minutes! With Indian spices and fresh vegetables, it’s full of fiber and nutrients. Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables, lentils, or a light salad!

Oats are a versatile grain you can use in a variety of recipes. They’re commonly used in breakfast recipes, like Protein Overnight Oats, Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, and, Banana Overnight Oats. But they are not limited to breakfast recipes, they can easily be transformed into a main course simply by adding different spices, and lots of vegetables.

💗 Why You’ll Love Masala Oats Recipe

• An easy recipe for a quick dinner or breakfast!
• A savory plant-based healthy breakfast recipe.
• Kid-friendly and approved!
• Rich in fiber and high in vitamins and nutrients.
• A one-bowl meal!
• Adjust the spice to suit your preference.
• Add your favorite vegetables.
• It’s filling, warm, and comforting!

🥣 Ingredients and Notes

Indian Spices: This recipe uses a combination of Indian spices including black mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds, with a touch of turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. It’s what gives this recipe its aromatic flavor! It’s very important to use mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds, rather than ground spices because they produce a rich flavor! You could also make your own curry powder blend to add to the oats for an enriched flavor. I recommend adding 1 teaspoon.

Vegetables: I add chopped onion, and chopped tomatoes, plus a quarter cup of frozen peas. You can add additional vegetables here such as carrots, green beans, or bell pepper. Use what you have in your fridge. Another good option is to add a half cup of frozen mixed vegetables that includes peas, carrots, and green beans.

Rolled Oats: I prefer using rolled oats in this recipe as compared to instant oats or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats are the most versatile in my opinion. They cook quickly, yet still, hold their shape.

📋 Step by Step Instructions for Masala Oats

Sauté the seeds: Heat oil in your pan. Add the mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until seeds crackle and pop!

Add the onions: Add in the chopped onions. You can use white or red onions here. Sauté until translucent. About 2 minutes on medium heat. Add in the chopped tomatoes. Stir to combine. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the Oats and Water: Now it’s time to add in the oats. Pour in one cup of rolled oats, and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low.

Add Spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Allow the oats to come to a thick consistency, stirring occasionally.

Add Frozen Peas: Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. You don’t want to do this earlier as the peas will turn a dark green if added too early. Stir the peas into the oats. Now you’re ready to serve.

❓Masala Oats FAQS

❄️ Storage

Store and Keep: Allow to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight glass container. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Reheat: When ready to reheat, transfer to a microwave safe bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water. Stir, and heat for one minute, or longer to achieve desired temperature.

💭 Expert Tips

Indian cuisine is one of my favorite ethnic foods to prepare at home! When you follow a vegan diet, cooking Indian food means tons of flavor and nutrients!

• Use mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds rather than ground spices.
• Wait for the spices to pop and crackle before adding any other ingredients.
• Use a small amount of oil to toast the seeds. Alternatively, you can dry roast the seeds if you’d like to skip the oil in this recipe.
• Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats will keep their shape and texture, while quick oats will become mushy.
• Add Omega-3s: Make this recipe even healthier and nutrient-rich by adding a teaspoon of chia seeds on top before serving.
• Increase Serving Size: To serve more people simply double the recipe. It will then serve a family of 4.
• Make it Spicy: For more spice, finely chop green chilies and add with the onion. It will give this recipe a nice kick! Or use some fresh minced ginger and garlic.
• Additional Spices: If you’d like to add even more flavor, feel free to add a touch of these other Indian spices such as garam masala powder, and fenugreek leaves.
• Fresh Herbs: I like to use cilantro because I always have it in my fridge, but you can add mint leaves, parsley, or even basil if you like!
• Add More Veggies: If you’d really like to amp up your veggies. Chop additional vegetables and add them when you add the tomatoes. Sauté until softened.

😋 More Savory Curry Recipes!