Oats Idli Recipe, A Modern South Indian Steamed Breakfast That Turns Everyday Oats Into a Quick, Nutritious Meal

Updated on: Dec 07, 2025 11:25 am IST

Oats idli is a South Indian breakfast created by blending roasted oats with curd and mild spices. It is easy to digest and is a quick, nutritious steamed meal.

Oats idlis have become a popular variation of traditional idlis, created for those looking for a lighter and faster breakfast option. Instead of using only rice and lentils, this version works by combining powdered oats with curd, allowing the batter to come together in minutes. The idea grew as urban households explored quicker methods of preparing South Indian staples without long fermentation. Its rise in popularity can be traced to the early 2000s, when oats became widely available in Indian kitchens as a convenient whole-grain addition.

Oats Idli(Freepik)

According to a study, oats, originally cultivated in Europe and later adopted around the world, bring soluble fibre that supports digestion and steady energy through the day. This makes oats idlis a helpful option for people who prefer meals that are gentle on the stomach. The use of curd adds probiotics and calcium, while the tempering often includes ingredients like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and carrots, which add micronutrients without making the dish heavy. The steaming process requires no oil, keeping the overall meal light.

Different cities have customised oats idlis in their own ways. Bengaluru households often add vegetables such as beans or peas for extra fibre, while some Tamil Nadu kitchens create a spicier version using green chillies and ginger. In many North Indian homes, oats idlis have become a weekday breakfast because they reduce preparation time yet deliver the familiarity of a South Indian steamed dish. This flexibility and simplicity have helped oats idlis become a dependable breakfast choice for many families.

Oats Idli Recipe For A Healthy South Indian Breakfast

Oats idli is a modern twist on the traditional South Indian idlis, created for quicker preparation without fermentation. The idea gained popularity as oats became common in Indian kitchens, offering fibre and easy digestion. Blending powdered oats with curd and spices creates a steamed breakfast that suits busy routines while still feeling familiar.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 1 cup oats (rolled or instant)
• ½ cup rava/semolina
• 1 cup curd
• ½ cup water (as needed)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 2 tablespoons grated carrot
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 8–10 curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon baking soda or Eno (just before steaming)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Dry roast oats for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
2. Cool and grind into a coarse powder.
3. Heat oil; add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and curry leaves.
4. Add carrots, ginger, and green chilli; sauté lightly.
5. Mix this tempering with oats powder, rava, curd, and salt.
6. Add water to form a thick idli batter; rest for 10 minutes.
7. Just before steaming, add baking soda/Eno and mix gently.
8. Pour batter into greased idli moulds.
9. Steam for 12–15 minutes on medium flame.
10. Cool slightly and remove from moulds.

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