Ayurvedic Oatmeal Recipes That are Not Boring and Healthy

We often hear about the health benefits of oats but are put off by the idea of boring, mushy oatmeal dishes. What if we told you that it is possible to enjoy the goodness of oats in recipes that are fun to make and delicious to eat?

Oatmeal is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in numerous ways. You can sneak some oats into a hearty smoothie bowl or add them to a tummy-soothing khichdi. Oats can be used in both sweet and savory preparations.

Eat an oats-based breakfast to kick-start your mornings with a dose of high energy, or end your day with a light oats dish for dinner.

Oats and Ayurveda

As we all know the importance of Ayurvedic products in today’s era, it is necessary to opt for a balancing ingredient in your diet. Oats have soft, sticky, heavy, slightly mucilaginous qualities and a sweet natural taste. From an Ayurvedic point of view, these qualities make oats a balancing ingredient for the Vata dosha and Pitta dosha.Unless prepared properly, oats could aggravate the Kapha dosha.

Different Types of Oats

There are a few varieties of oats available in the market. They are nutritionally similar but differ in how they are processed and cooked.

Steel-cut oats

This variety is the least processed type of oats. It absorbs more liquid and takes longer to cook than other varieties.

Old-fashioned rolled oats

The oat groats are steamed and then rolled to make old-fashioned oats. Since it has already been steamed, cooking doesn’t take long. It cooks into an incredibly creamy bowl of oatmeal.

Instant or quick oats

Instant oats are pre-cooked and rolled. It is the most processed of all types. They cook very fast, as the name suggests, but also get mushy if not prepared properly.

4 Exciting and Healthy Ayurvedic Oats Recipes to Try Today!

Do you want to add oats to your diet but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry, we have you covered with these yummy and healthy oats recipes that can be whipped up in a jiffy! Use them as basic templates, or you can get creative and rustle up unique versions of these dishes by adding your special touches.

Oats Khichdi

Ingredients:

1/3 cup yellow split moong dal, soaked in water for 30 minutes and drained
1/3 cup instant oats
1/3 cup assorted chopped vegetables (peas, carrot, cauliflower, etc.)
2 cups water
½ tablespoon coconut oil
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon pepper powder
¼ teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste

Method:

- Heat the coconut oil in a pressure cooker and sauté the chopped vegetables on low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the split moong dal and oats to the cooker.
- Add the water, turmeric powder, cumin powder, pepper powder, and salt.
- Cover the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for 7-8 minutes.
- Mix well and serve hot!

Sweet Oats Breakfast Porridge

Ingredients:

½ cup instant oats
1 cup water
½ cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon date paste
A pinch of cinnamon powder

Method:

- Take the water and instant oats in a saucepan and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, occasionally stirring, until it is soft and mushy.
- Take off the heat and add cashew milk, date paste, and cinnamon powder.
- Mix well and serve warm.

Easy Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

½ cup instant oats
1 cup cashew milk
1 banana/apple, chopped
1 tablespoon date paste
A pinch of cinnamon powder

Method:

- Mix instant oats, cashew milk, date paste, and cinnamon powder in a jar. Refrigerate overnight.
- Mix well and top with a chopped banana/apple and serve immediately.

Savory Oatmeal Porridge

Ingredients:

½ cup instant oats
½ cup blanched assorted vegetables (peas, carrot, cauliflower, etc.)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon coconut oil
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon pepper powder
¼ teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste

Method:

- Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, occasionally stirring, until soft and mushy. Serve hot!

Serving Tips

- Sweet oats can be served with fresh fruits, such as bananas, apples, peaches, mangoes, etc. You can also add dried fruits like dates, figs, and raisins.
- Savory oats can be topped with a handful of assorted roasted nuts and coconut flakes. Nuts are healthy but should be eaten in moderation.
- You can use almond or soy milk instead of cashew or coconut milk. Plant-based milk is highly nutritious, and it is a good idea to include it in your breakfast.
- If you wish to replace instant oats with rolled oats in any of these recipes, simply increase the amount of liquid used and cook for an additional few minutes.

Conclusion

Oatmeal is not only packed with fiber and nutrients, but it is also versatile and can be used in many tasty Ayurvedic recipes. Ayurvedic oatmeal recipes are especially beneficial for those with Vata and Pitta doshas. Following the ancient system of Ayurveda is a great way of sustaining your health and ensuring that you stay happy and vibrant no matter what.

Rupali Dhote
Ayurveda Doctor
Baidyanath