Indian Style Overnight Oats with Chia (Savory Tadka Oats)

Savory Indian-style Overnight Chia Oats is an easy, high-protein breakfast or snack made with rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, milk, and veggies, finished with a simple Indian tadka inspired by South Indian curd rice.

When you think of overnight oats, it's usually the sweet versions like overnight chia oats, but today, I'm sharing a savory oatmeal recipe! This Indian-style overnight oats with tempering is creamy, filling, and refreshing.

It's inspired by South Indian curd rice, where yogurt and milk are mixed with cooked rice and finished with a flavorful tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies. These overnight tadka chia oats are great for a wholesome breakfast or a snack. You may also check out my curd oats recipe.

How to Make Savory Overnight Tadka Chia Oats

In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, ½ cup of Greek yogurt, ½ cup of whole milk, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well with a spoon.

Note: This recipe serves one person. You can also soak in individual serving containers.

Cover the container with a lid. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For Tempering: Heat oil (or homemade ghee) in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add raw peanuts and saute till they are nicely roasted. Next, add the mustard seeds and dry red chilies, and let them splutter.

Now add minced ginger, curry leaves, and hing (asafetida) and saute for a few seconds. Tempering is ready, keep aside.

Open the lid and add 2 tablespoons of diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons grated carrot, and 1 tablespoon coriander leaves. Mix well. Add the tempering to the bowl and mix everything again.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds (optional) and serve.

Expert Tips

• Fresh Yogurt: Use fresh homemade yogurt (curd) for the best results. Avoid using sour curd.
• Adding Milk: Helps to avoid sourness in the dish.
• It's essential to soak old-fashioned rolled oats and chia seeds well in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours or overnight, allowing them to absorb the liquid and develop a gel-like consistency. You cannot use steel-cut oats for this recipe; however, you may use instant or quick oats in case you dont have rolled oats.

Variations

• Vegetables: You can also add fruits like grapes or pomegranates.
• Vegan Oats Chia Curd Rice: Vegans can substitute dairy yogurt and milk with plant-based options like almond milk yogurt, coconut milk yogurt, or cashew yogurt.
• Herb boost: You can add other herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to make it fresher and more vibrant.
• Nuts & Seeds: I also like to add toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts on top.

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