As an advocate of natural and organic products, I also prefer to eat local grains over ones that have inherently (or genetically..??) not been part of our Indian diet.
Oats is a relatively new grain in the Indian market, and people have slowly been incorporating them in their diet and forgotten healthier Indian grains like millets.
Another misconception that Indians have, thanks to our advertising gurus is that oats are only for people who are trying to lose weight. Hence many people also don’t want to give them to their babies as they feel it will result in weight loss.
While oats porridge is something even I can’t gulp down, oats dosa or oats chilla is something my son has liked. The best part about this recipe is that you can quickly prepare the oats dosa as it does not require any fermentation.
How to sneak in nutrition:
Oats are a rich source of fiber and it prevents constipation. Using organic oats will ensure that you are getting more nutrition. Avoid using “cooking oats” or “pre -cooked oats” as they are more processed. Add a spoon of Saathu Maavu powder to increase the nutrient quotient for your baby.
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic oats
- 1/2 tablespoon organic gram flour
- 1/2 carrot grated
- 1/2 beetroot grated
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder (Jeera powder)
- 1 tsp finely chopped Curry leave
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Water to make the batter
- 2 tsp Ghee
Method to Prepare
Grind the oats in your mixer grinder to make a fine powder. (called oatmeal)
Take a pan and dry roast the oats in slow flame for 2-3 minutes. Allow it to cool and grind the oats into a into a fine powder.
Take a pan and add 1 teaspoon of ghee add mustard seeds. Allow it to splutter and then add finely chopped onion, grated carrots, grated beetroots and finely chopped curry leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Now add turmeric powder and cumin powder.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Take a mixing bowl and add oats powder, gram flour, and the vegetable mixture. All water and make a batter. The batter should be similar to that of dosa batter.
Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes.
Take a tawa (I prefer to use iron tawa) and grease it with ghee. Make sure the tawa is hot and then pour a laddleful of this batter.
Cook on medium flame for 1-2 minutes, now flip the dosa and cook.
Serve hot with green chutney. Cut the oats dosa into strips when offering to toddler. Enjoy!
