Oats Dosa/Dose

What better way to gain the strength and energy to carry you through a hectic morning schedule than with a steaming bowl of freshly cooked oatmeal,especially if you are trying to prevent or are currently dealing with heart disease or diabetes. Oats contain a specific type of fiber known as beta-glucan which typically lowers the total cholestrol by 8-23% by just consuming 1 cup of  oats . High cholesterol levels correlate with the build up of plaques in blood vessel walls. If these plaques become damaged or simply grow too large, they can rupture, blocking a blood vessel and causing a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots elsewhere in the body. Lowering high cholesterol levels can therefore significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The latest research suggests they may have another cardio-protective mechanism.

Oats is an excellent source of Manganese and good source of Selenium, Tryptophan, Phosphorus, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), magnesium and good of all its rich in dietary fiber and Protein. Isn't it good source all nutrients. Oats are for good for diabetic patients as they stabilize blood sugar. Oats enhance immune response to infection. Eating a serving of whole grains, such as oats (atleast 6 times a week) is good for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

This is just a summary for the health benefits of oats. Isn't it wonderful idea to incorporate this in our Indian menu. I always try for whole grain, healthy food for my family. I try to cook everything whole grain. So thought of preparing one healthy dosa which is rich in protein, fibre, has good nutrition.  So I used oats and lentils and prepared this dosa. Believe me it was heaven when I tasted this. I didn't expect it will turn out so yummy!!!

Ingredients:

Urad dal - 3/4 cup
Channa dal - 1/4 cup
Toor dal - 1/4 cup
Moong dal - 1/8 cup
Methi - 1 tbsp
Oats - 1.5 cup ( I used quaker plain oats)
Brown rice - 1.5 cups (I used brown rice)
Salt - to taste

Method

Soak Urad dal, Channa dal, Toor dal, Moong dal, Methi together in a container. Soak brown rice in a seperate container. Soak all these for a minimum of 5-6 hrs. Just before 1/2 of grinding soak oats seperately in water. Grind all dal to a fine paste. Wet grinder works the best....for Indian mixie there is a simple trick to enhance the flavour. What I do is when dal is ground to fine paste....I whisk this mixture in the mixie for few rounds...it will create air inside the dal which enables the fluffyness in the batter. Grind the brown rice seperately...at the final round of grinding add soaked oats and grind into fine paste. Mix the ground dal and rice together. Let this ferment for a minimum of 7-8 hrs. I will mix salt before preparing dosa. Once fermented prepare dosas as desired. Serve with any chutney, aloo palya (subzi) or any gojju (gravy subzi)....This is the perfect breakfast, evening snack or a very healthy dinner. Even Uttapam can be prepared with this batter. Spread the dosa batter thick....spread finely chopped onions, grated carrots, chopped cilantro/coriander, finely chopped cabbage and finely chopped green chilli (optional)...spread oi....flip and cook well and serve with chutney....Its a complete food which has dal, rice, vegetables. Isn't it very nutricious power packed food for kids....

For good fermentation place the batter inside a oven (please don't switch on the power of it)...or the best way I do is....I put the container of the batter inside a microwave oven and will open the door....as the heat of the light will help in good fermentation. This method holds good for preparation of home made curd too.

For kids try to be innovative in preparing dosa....Prepare a mickey dosa, or alphabet dosas.  Alphabet dosas work well for toddlers as it helps them to learn alphabets in a very fun way....

Try this dosas....I promise you are going to love it....My dear friend 'DV'...u r very fond of oats. I bet you are going to love it....Happy cooking....Try this recipe and post your comments....