Steel cut oats bhajia is a nutritious and delicious twist on the traditional deep-fried Indian snack. This recipe combines the goodness of oats with vegetables and spices, making it both crispy and healthy. Perfect for tea-time or as a light snack, steel cut oats bhajia is an easy way to incorporate oats into your diet without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steel cut oats (soaked for 2-3 hours)
• ½ cup besan (chickpea flour)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
• ½ cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
• ½ cup grated carrots (or other vegetables like spinach, cabbage)
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steel Cut Oats:
• Soak the steel cut oats in water for 2-3 hours. Once softened, drain the water and grind them coarsely in a blender. This will form the base of the bhajia batter.
2. Mix the Batter:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground oats, besan, finely chopped onion, green chilies, cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, grated carrots, and chopped coriander leaves.
• Add salt and mix well to combine all the ingredients. Gradually add water if needed to form a thick, sticky batter. The consistency should be thick enough to shape into small portions but not too runny.
3. Heat the Oil:
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the bhajias but not too hot that they burn quickly. Test by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; if it rises to the surface steadily, the oil is ready.
4. Shape and Fry the Bhajias:
• Take small portions of the batter and drop them into the hot oil using your hands or a spoon. Fry the bhajias in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the bhajias until golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning them occasionally to ensure even frying. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. Drain and Serve:
• Once fried, remove the bhajias from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or tomato ketchup.

Tips for Crispy Bhajias:

• Soak the Oats Properly: Soaking the steel cut oats for at least 2 hours is crucial to soften them for easier blending and better texture.
• Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the bhajias will burn outside while remaining raw inside; too cold, and they will absorb excess oil.
• Add Vegetables: You can add any vegetables of your choice like spinach, cabbage, or even grated zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Health Benefits of Steel Cut Oats Bhajia:

• Rich in Fiber: Steel cut oats are high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full for longer.
• Low in Glycemic Index: Oats help in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, making this snack a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods.
• Protein Boost: Besan adds plant-based protein to this snack, making it more balanced and nutritious.
• Vegetable Intake: Adding grated vegetables increases the vitamin and mineral content of the dish.

Conclusion:

Steel cut oats bhajia is a wholesome and guilt-free snack that you can enjoy at any time of the day. With the crispy texture and flavorful spices, this recipe offers the perfect combination of health and taste. Try this innovative take on bhajia for a satisfying snack that everyone in your family will love!