Sambar Oats Porridge

          Oats is a wonder cereal and should be included in our daily diet as much as possible. It is nutritious, wholesome and is low in cholesterol. It contains dietary fibre, is rich in antioxidants and is good for diabetics. So you need not have to consume only with milk and fruits. 

          Make it more appetizing and yummy by giving it a South Indian flavour. Prepare a porridge out of it by adding some sambar powder to enhance the taste. Enjoy it with some fried / roasted papads and pickle for a soul satisfying and sumptuous first meal of the day. 

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup boiled tuvar dal (pigeon pea lentil)
• 1 drumstick, cut into 2" pieces
• 1 small carrot, cut lengthwise
• 4-5 beans, cut into 2" pieces
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. pepper powder
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. sambar powder
• 1 tsp. tamarind paste mixed with 1/2 cup water
• 8-10 roasted cashew nuts
• 1 tsp. ghee
• 1 tsp. coriander leaves to garnish

          Boil the veggies in 1 cup water for one whistle. Keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and temper with mustard seeds and cumin seeds. After it stops spluttering, add the asafoetida, curry leaves, onion, ginger and green chilies. 

          Stir fry till light brown and then add the oats. Sauté for 1-2 minutes on a medium flame. Add 2 cups water and simmer till it is cooked and slightly thick.

          Now add the boiled tuvar dal, boiled veggies, salt, turmeric powder, sugar, sambar powder, pepper powder, cashew nuts, tamarind water and required quantity of water to have a porridge like consistency. 

          Combine everything well and simmer on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes. Switch off the flame and drizzle some ghee. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve along with papad, curd chilies and pickle.