Oats Mor Kali: Oats & Buttermilk Breakfast Porridge
Oats Mor Kali, also known as Oats Buttermilk Porridge, is a traditional South Indian dish that hails from the heart of Tamil Nadu. This dish is typically made with rice flour as the base, but in this modern twist, we’ve opted for oats, which not only enhances the nutritional value but also makes it a lighter and healthier alternative. The tangy flavor of buttermilk paired with the goodness of oats creates a comforting, easy-to-digest breakfast porridge thatโs both tasty and satisfying. Its resemblance to sooji makes it a perfect, quick meal for busy mornings, and itโs also diabetic-friendly, making it an excellent option for those mindful of their sugar levels.
Let’s explore how to make this nutritious dish at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Cuisine: South Indian (Tamil Nadu)
Course: Breakfast
Diet: Diabetic-Friendly
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Chillies (milagai-bhajji variety) | 7 Green Chillies |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 3 cups |
| Buttermilk | 3 cups |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 Green Chillies |
| Curry leaves | 5 Curry leaves (roughly chopped) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For serving |
| Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions
-
Fry the Green Chillies
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a small frying pan over low heat. Add the sun-dried green chillies (milagai-bhajji variety) into the oil and deep fry them, stirring continuously to ensure they don’t burn. Once they are crisp and golden, remove them from the oil and set them aside. -
Prepare the Seasoning
In another small pan, add a teaspoon of oil and heat it. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and white urad dal. Allow the mustard seeds to crackle and the urad dal to roast until it turns lightly brown. After this, add finely chopped green chillies and asafoetida (hing), sautรฉing for a few more seconds until fragrant. Set the seasoning aside. -
Roast the Oats
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the instant oats and roast them for 3 minutes on medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the oats from burning. This step brings out the natural flavor of the oats and prepares them to absorb the buttermilk. -
Cook the Oats Mor Kali
After roasting the oats, add the 3 cups of buttermilk to the pan. Stir in the seasoning mixture, which includes the mustard seeds, urad dal, green chillies, and asafoetida. Add the curry leaves and salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. -
Simmer to a Thick Consistency
Continue stirring the mixture on medium heat until the buttermilk is absorbed by the oats and the dish thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure the oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. -
Garnish and Serve
Once the Oats Mor Kali has reached a thick, creamy consistency, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and top with the fried green chillies (mor milagai) for an extra layer of flavor. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee on top for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Oats Mor Kali is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast or even a light lunch. The tangy, savory flavor makes it a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Serve it with a side of crispy papadums or as is for a wholesome and satisfying option.
This easy-to-make recipe is not only nourishing but also light on the stomach, perfect for those who prefer a healthy start to their day. The combination of oats, buttermilk, and spices offers a delightful balance of flavors that will keep you energized throughout the morning.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 4.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20.0 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Fat | 5.0 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
Oats Mor Kali is a nutritious, diabetic-friendly breakfast option that provides essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats. By swapping rice flour for oats, the dish becomes a wholesome, heart-healthy meal that’s perfect for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor and experience a traditional South Indian breakfast with a modern twist!
