- 1
Take 1 cup of oats and transfer the oats to a mixer grinder. Grind the oats into a fine powder so that the oat powder is even and a little floury. The powdered oats base will represent the foundation for the recipe of oats chilla and will add texture and nutrition to the recipe. This oats chilla recipe is not only enriched with the great health benefits of oats but also makes a delectable, healthy meal option.
- 2
Now, put aside the ground oats and grind the remaining ingredients. For this, you will require half a cup of gram flour (besan) to bind the oats with a subtle nutty flavour. Chop your veggies finer for greater flavours and some crunch, too. Prepare a quarter of a cup each for onions, carrots, grated, capsicum, and tomatoes. Chop a quarter cup of fresh coriander leaves.
- 3
Add some spice with half a Tsp of fresh ginger grated and 1 green chilli finely chopped. Grind the following spices in a small bowl: half Tsp cumin seeds, half Tsp red chilli powder, and a quarter Tsp turmeric powder added with salt as per taste. The spices would give the oats chilla a perfectly warm and balanced flavour with depth.
- 4
Preparing Dry Ingredients Mix: Use a deep mixing bowl and add ground oats and gram flour or besan. Mix the dry ingredients so that gram flour and oats powder are mixed well together. This really helps to prevent lumps in the chilla and cooks evenly.
- 5
Add chopped vegetables to this preparation, such as chopped onions, carrots, capsicum, tomatoes, and coriander leaves, to the bowl with the dry mixture. The chopped vegetables add nutritional value to the chilla as well as the intensity of colour, texture, and flavour.
- 6
Add the grated ginger, chopped green chilli, cumin seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt into that mixing bowl. These ingredients will season the batter, and after cooking, this chilla will be known for its taste, while green chili along with ginger will add a hint of hotness and freshness.
- 7
Now, slowly pour the water into the mixture, about 1/4 cup at a time. While adding, whisk the batter to ensure all water mixes with the dry ingredients. The batter should be liquid in consistency and free-flowing, like pancake batter. It would be best if you were using almost 1 to 1 1/4 cups of water in total.
- 8
Once you have achieved the right consistency, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting allows the oats to absorb some moisture and makes the chilla softer and more cohesive. It also blends the flavours together and makes the overall taste feel rich.
- 9
Let the batter rest. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick tawa or griddle over a medium flame.
- 10
To make a perfect Oats Chilla, make sure your tawa gets evenly hot before you start. Then lightly grease the surface of your tawa with oil using a brush or paper towel for a thin coat.
- 11
Pour a ladleful of rested batter on the hot surface. Now, using the back of the ladle, in a circular motion from the centre, spread it out into a thin pancake so that it doesn't tear.
- 12
Sprinkle a few drops of oil around the edges to prevent sticking as well as to make it crispy. Now cook this on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the edges come up.
- 13
Turn over the chilla with the help of a spatula.
- 14
Apply oil as required, flip over its other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, take the oats chilla out onto a serving plate; repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the tawa as needed.
- 15
Pack in lunch.
- 16
Serve hot with green chutney, yoghurt, or ketchup, and enjoy with a side salad.