Curd Rice Style Overnight Oats with Tempered Spices

Curd Oats Recipe – Curd Rice Style Overnight Oats

If you’re looking for a light and nutritious breakfast or dinner option that offers a blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures, then this Curd Oats Recipe, inspired by the traditional Indian curd rice, is a perfect choice. This overnight oats recipe uses simple ingredients and provides the wholesome goodness of oats paired with yogurt, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients for Curd Oats Recipe

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 0 minutes (Overnight Soaking)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (with overnight soaking)

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it a great option for breakfast or dinner for a small group or family.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Curd Oats Recipe

1. Prepare the Oats Base:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup instant oats, 3/4 cup hung curd, and 1/4 cup milk. Stir them together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
   • Set the bowl aside for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the oats to absorb the yogurt and milk, creating a creamy, well-blended texture.

2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:

   • In a separate small pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • After the mustard seeds start popping, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), 1/4 tsp cumin seeds (jeera), 8 whole black peppercorns, 1/2 tsp white urad dal, and 1 tsp chana dal. Sauté them until the dals turn golden brown.
   • Add 6-8 chopped cashews and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they slightly crisp up.

3. Add Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:

   • To the tempering, add 8 curry leaves, 1 slit green chili, and 1 broken red chili. Stir everything for another 10 seconds to let the flavors meld together.
   • Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Combine Oats with Yogurt and Seasoning:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add the soaked oats mixture, the remaining 1/4 cup hung curd, and a pinch of salt to taste.
   • Add 1/2 tsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp finely chopped onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

5. Add Tempering to the Oats Mixture:

   • Pour the prepared tempering (the spiced oil mixture with dals and cashews) over the oats mixture.
   • Stir gently to combine the tempering with the oats and yogurt mixture, ensuring that all flavors are evenly distributed.

6. Optional Garnishes:

   • For an extra burst of flavor and color, you can add a few pomegranate seeds or chopped grapes to the oats mixture before serving.

7. Serving:

   • Serve the Curd Oats immediately or keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
   • This dish pairs wonderfully with pickle and papad for a traditional Indian touch. It’s also great on its own as a wholesome meal.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor Variations: You can adjust the seasoning based on your taste. Add some chopped cucumber for a refreshing touch or a dash of roasted cumin powder for extra depth.
• Vegan Option: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, and use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
• Additional Toppings: You can top this dish with crunchy boiled potatoes, chopped tomatoes, or even grated carrots for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Curd Oats Recipe combines the rich, creamy texture of yogurt with the wholesome goodness of oats, creating a refreshing and nutritious dish. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to try something different for breakfast or a light dinner. The tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and dals adds a touch of South Indian flavors, making this dish not only filling but also rich in spices and nutrition. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite add-ins and is sure to satisfy your taste buds while keeping you energized throughout the day!