Oats Uttapam Topped with Paneer Recipe
Introduction
Oats Uttapam topped with Paneer is a delightful fusion dish that offers the best of both worlds: a wholesome, nutritious breakfast combined with the rich, savory taste of South India. This recipe is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal that also incorporates the goodness of oats and vegetables. The dish is made using instant dosa mix powder, making it an incredibly simple and time-efficient option for busy mornings. In Tamil Nadu, Uttapam is a popular breakfast item, typically prepared with dosa batter and topped with various ingredients to enhance its flavor and nutritional value. By adding cottage cheese (paneer) and colorful vegetables, this recipe brings a unique twist to the traditional dish.
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dosa Batter:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Flour | 1 cup |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1/4 cup |
| Poha (Flattened Rice) | 1/4 cup |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Black Urad Dal (Whole) | 1/4 cup |
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/4 cup |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Water | As required |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup (grated) |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1 (grated) |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (chopped) |
| Green Chilli | 1 (chopped) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs (chopped) |
| Ginger | 1 inch (chopped) |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Roast the Ingredients for the Batter:
Begin by dry roasting the rice flour, semolina, and sooji separately in a pan until they turn golden brown. Set them aside.
Next, in the same pan, roast the lentils (white urad dal, black urad dal, arhar dal, and chana dal) along with the fenugreek seeds until they turn light brown. Once roasted, remove from heat and set them aside to cool. -
Grind the Mixture:
Once the roasted ingredients have cooled, grind the lentils and flattened rice (poha) into a smooth powder using a food processor or grinder. -
Combine the Ingredients for the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lentil and poha mixture with the roasted rice flour, semolina, and oats. Add curd (yogurt) to the mixture and gradually add water to achieve the consistency of regular dosa batter. Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes. -
Prepare the Toppings:
While the batter is resting, prepare the toppings. Grate the paneer, and finely chop the carrot, red bell pepper, green chilli, ginger, and coriander leaves. -
Cook the Uttapam:
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using an iron skillet, you can season it with a little oil. To test if the skillet is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on it — if the water sizzles, it’s ready.
Pour a ladle full of batter onto the hot skillet and spread it lightly to form a thick pancake-like shape. Sprinkle the grated paneer, chopped vegetables, green chilli, ginger, and coriander leaves generously over the top. Drizzle a small amount of oil around the edges of the Uttapam. -
Cook and Flip:
Cover the skillet with a lid or let the Uttapam cook uncovered. Allow the Uttapam to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the top becomes slightly steamed and the batter has set.
Once the top appears firm and the batter is no longer raw, use a flat spatula to gently press the toppings into the batter. Flip the Uttapam carefully and cook for another 30-40 seconds, or until both sides are golden and crisp. -
Serve:
Once the Uttapam is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and serve hot. Pair it with Roasted Garlic Tomato Chutney and South Indian Filter Coffee for an authentic Tamil Nadu-style breakfast experience.
Tips and Variations
- You can replace the paneer with grated cheese for a different flavor, or even use tofu for a vegan alternative.
- Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra zest.
- To make the dish even healthier, you can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the topping mixture.
Enjoy your Oats Uttapam topped with Paneer for a fulfilling, healthy start to your day! The dish is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast repertoire.
