Try a healthy twist on breakfast with oats-spinach idli

If you want something light, tasty and healthy for breakfast, idli is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But instead of the usual rice and urad dal idli, try giving it a twist this time. Adding oats and spinach makes the dish even healthier. Oats are rich in fibre, while spinach has several vitamins and minerals, which is why oats-spinach idli can be considered ideal for breakfast or a light meal. The best part is that this recipe is quick and very easy to make.

To make it, you need one cup of oats, half a cup of rava (semolina), one cup of finely chopped spinach or spinach puree, half a cup of curd, one to two green chillies, half a teaspoon of mustard seeds, half a teaspoon of cumin seeds, asafoetida, salt to taste, water as needed, one teaspoon of oil and one and a half teaspoons of Eno or baking soda.

The method is straightforward. First, grind the oats finely in a mixer to make a powder. In a large bowl, add the oats powder, rava, chopped spinach or spinach puree and curd. Add finely chopped green chillies and salt to taste. Add water as needed to make a medium-thick batter. Then heat a little oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and asafoetida to make a tempering, and mix this into the idli batter. After covering the batter and letting it rest for a few minutes, finally add Eno or baking soda and mix gently but thoroughly. Grease the idli moulds with a little oil and fill them with the prepared batter. Heat water in the idli steamer, place the moulds in it, cover with a lid and let the idlis steam well. Once the idlis have risen well and turned soft, remove them and serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Keeping a few things in mind makes the idli even better. Using fresh spinach gives a better taste and colour. Do not keep the batter too thick, or the idlis can turn hard. Do not let the batter sit for long after adding Eno or soda. Do not steam the idlis for too long. For extra flavour, a little ginger or coriander leaves can also be added.