Oats Recipes

Oats have a rich history and come in several different types, each with its own unique characteristics. Here’s an overview:
Types of Oats
1. Whole Oat Groats: These are the least processed form of oats. Whole oat groats have had the outer husk removed but retain the bran, germ, and endosperm. They take the longest to cook but are the most nutritious and have a chewy texture.
2. Steel-Cut Oats: Also known as Irish or Scottish oats, steel-cut oats are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces. They have a coarser texture than rolled oats and take longer to cook, but they provide a hearty, nutty flavor and are high in fiber.
3. Rolled Oats: These are steamed oat groats that have been flattened with large rollers. Rolled oats come in several varieties:
o Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These are the standard variety used in many recipes. They cook relatively quickly and are commonly used for oatmeal and baking.
o Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats: These oats are steamed longer and rolled thinner than old-fashioned oats, allowing them to cook very quickly. They are often used for instant oatmeal packets.
o Instant Oats: These are pre-cooked and then dried. They cook in just a few minutes and are often used in instant oatmeal products. However, they can be less nutritious than less processed forms.]
4. Oat Flour: Made from ground oats, oat flour is used as an ingredient in baking and cooking.

5. Oat Bran: This is the outer layer of the oat grain, which is high in fiber. Oat bran can be used as a cereal or added to recipes for a fiber boost.

6. Oatmeal: This term generally refers to the prepared food made by cooking oats. It can be made with any type of oats and can vary in consistency from thick and hearty to smooth and creamy.

Of late, many a pastry chef have started their signature dishes with Oats as the base. several reasons why you enjoy oat-based desserts:
1. Flavor: Oats have a naturally mild and slightly nutty flavor that can complement a wide range of ingredients, making them versatile in desserts.
2. Texture: Oats can add a chewy texture to desserts, which many people find satisfying.
3. Health Benefits: Oats are a source of fiber and can be more nutritious than some other dessert bases. You might appreciate the healthier aspect of oat-based desserts.
4. Satiating: Oats are filling, which means that oat-based desserts may satisfy your hunger better than other sweet treats.
5. Variety: Oat-based desserts can range from cookies and bars to crumbles and puddings, offering many options to suit your taste preferences.
6. Dietary Needs: If you have specific dietary needs, such as gluten sensitivity (if using gluten-free oats), you might lean towards oat-based desserts as a suitable choice.
Ultimately, your personal taste preferences and experiences will greatly influence why you enjoy oat-based desserts!
Carrot Oats Pudding is a delightful dish! For chef Nitten, Carrot Oats Pudding is a wonderful dish because it combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the vibrant flavour and nutrition of carrots. It’s a great source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy option for breakfast or dessert. The sweetness of the carrots can enhance the flavour, and you can customize it with spices like cinnamon, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and taste. The biggest pros being ease of preparation and advance preparation making it a convenient choice for busy days.

Where is my Dhokla?

“Are you wondering what inspired me to create this one? I wanted to bring together people who redefined my connection with food on the plate. But that needed a canvas on which I could add the details. Dhokla seemed like the perfect dish for it. A dish that uses the most basic ingredients but at the same time stands out as a symbol of Gujarati cuisine. A staple for breakfast or a snack, and a celebration of flavours and texture. Bang! That was it”- Jyothi Sri Pappu, Founder & CEO Nutreatlife

Jasmine Essence: The Jasmine spheres were a tribute to my Amma, with whom I spent most of my time picking Jasmines from the malli pandhal in front of our house. These spheres, with their delicate and aromatic flavour, brought a floral sweetness to the dish, reminiscent of the fragrant gardens of my childhood.

Oats Crumble: To add a modern twist, I incorporated oats, a nod to healthy eating and the contemporary culinary trends. The oats crumble added a delightful crunch, contrasting with the soft and spongy dhokla.

The savoury part was a bit easier to crack now that I knew what my dessert was. Simple. Where is my dhokla? In this one, I wanted to highlight the local technique of steaming, which is quintessential to making dhokla.

• Coconut and Mustard Tempering: This element highlighted the traditional Gujarati method of tempering. I used coconut oil and mustard seeds to create a fragrant tempering, reminiscent of the tempering my grandmother used to make. It was my way of paying homage to her and the countless lessons she taught me in the kitchen.
• Turmeric Infused Yogurt: The turmeric-infused yogurt spoke about the ancient Indian tradition of using turmeric for its health benefits and vibrant colour.
• Jaggery and Tamarind Reduction: The jaggery and tamarind reduction was a sweet and tangy element that tied the dish together, just like the sweet and tangy memories of my childhood. This was inspired by my aunt, whose tamarind chutney was the highlight of every family gathering.

And that’s how my dish came together. Each element had a story, a memory, and a tribute to the people who shaped my culinary journey. I brought my signature on two plates to tell my story, blending tradition with innovation, and creating something uniquely mine.

Here’s a simple recipe for Oats-Peanut Butter Granola Bars.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup demerara sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Pureed Fresh Mango
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of baking soda

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped peanuts, salt, and baking soda.
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
• Press the mixture into the baking dish: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Cool: Let the granola cool completely in the dish before cutting it into bars.
• Optional: Add chocolate chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, melt them in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate over the cooled granola bars and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Chef’s Special Tips:

• To make these granola bars crisper and crunchier, you can add some chopped roasted nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts) or seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds) to the mixture.
• Personal Favourites include — dried fruits as dried kiwi, dried pineapple, cranberries, raisins, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the mixture.
• Store your Oats granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 -15 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
• Do not refrigerate – as these become soggy fast.

Here are some recipes for you to try:

• Oats and Nutty-Fruity Cookies courtesy Bhargavi Bhaskar, Owner, Buttercup Bakes
• The Quaker Breakfast Canape courtesy Dhruv Oberoi, Executive Chef – Olive, New Delhi and The Grammar Room
• Jasmine Oats Dhokla courtesy Jyothi Sri Pappu, Founder & CEO Nutreatlife
• Carrot-Orange Oats Pudding courtesy Chef Nitten Chugh, Culinary Director at Caravela Beach Resort Goa
• Organic oats & raisins cookies courtesy Chef Shailendra Kekade, Sante Spa, BKC

Read the full story that first appeared in Deccan Chronicle dated here: