Savory Chia Oats Bowl is a delicious breakfast bowl of champions !!  This hearty creation is for those who prefer multitude of flavors to tantalize the taste buds. Easy and quick recipe with InstantPot and stove top instructions included. Vegan, Glutenfree and WFPB Compliant.

If you are looking for healthy, wholesome recipe to wake up to, this is it !! Savory Chia Oats Bowl is easy to make, it requires hardly any chopping or preparation. A perfect warm comforting food that is nourishing and hearty. You can use basic recipe as a blank canvas and customize it with whatever you like. Something new, something exciting that is also -oh.so.good.for.you !!!

For a quick, and on the go breakfast idea, see one of our very popular recipe of Coconut Chia Pudding. For something unique, try the Misal ( sprouted mung curry ) or Pohe ( Indian spiced falttend rice ).

I am one of those people who don’t like sweet cinnamon type gooey oatmeal. I tried it several times with several different flavors and nut milks but never developed interest nor liking to it. I also took time to getting used to texture of the oatmeal. However, oatmeal is one of the best heart healthy whole grain out there and I was on quest to make it lovable !!

Few years ago, Hubby and I decided to switch to gluten limited eating preferences. So we stopped eating foods containing processed white flour, cream of wheat and other wheat products. Replaced our grain choices with white and brown rice, different millets, quinoa and gf oats. It was an adjustment for couple weeks and it was so worth it. We absolutely love being Gluten Limited.  We haven’t looked back since.

And that’s when I thought of trying steel cut oats the savory way. Steel cut oats have grainier texture than regular oats. So they retain their form and don’t get as mushy when cooked. Perfect convivial alternative to traditional method. And I love the wholesome fusion take on the most popular sweet breakfast recipes.

Our breakfast routine for most weekdays is pretty simple and cook free. We try to do intermittent fasting at least 3-4 days and often end up skipping breakfast. The days we are eating, it’s often some nuts, fruits or cut avocado. So I often make this Savory Chia Oats Bowl for lunch.  On the weekends, when everyone is strolling around the kitchen in the morning wanting something warm and comfy,  I love to make this as a part of hearty breakfast spread. It’s a satisfying and filling bowl that sets your mood on right track in the morning.

As the name suggests, Savory Chia Oats Bowl is made using Oats, Chia seeds and basic spices. Add in some veggies to make it nutritional dense and colorful. The basic recipe is very varsatile. You can adjust the seasoning and salt per taste.  You can switch up the veggies to your likings too.

Let’s Talk About Wholesome Combination of Oats and Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses providing solid amount of omega-3, calcium and powerful antioxidants. Steel Cut Oats are heart healthy and provide great amount of protein and soluble fiber. The nutty taste and grainy texture makes it a comforting warm bowl to break the fast in the morning. Add in all the medicinal benefits of Ginger and you have one healthy nourishing recipe that is also very satisfying and filling to eat. 

Which Oats Should I Use?
I am using steel cut oats in this recipe. Rolled  or quick cook oats are mushier and creamier when cooked. Steel Cut oats are grainier and retain their form not becoming too mushy. So depending on how you like the feel of the oats, choose the type. Water ratio and cooking times will slightly change depending upon which oats are used. Make sure to use certified gluten free oats if you are allergic to or avoiding gluten. 

A Note About Curry Leaves
Typically used in Indian cooking, curry leaves are flavor enhancers. You will find them in Indian stores. if you have difficulty finding them, simply skip them. Alternatively, you can use a bay leaf (but flavors are not identical) Many readers ask about using curry powder instead. However, curry powder and curry leaves are totally different things. Curry powder is Indian style all seasoning mix.

If you are familiar with Indian food, you will find this recipe is very similar to a dish called Upma. A quintessential breakfast item served across India. It’s a spicy version of porridge made with roasted Cream of Wheat, vegetables and basic spices. Typically served with masala chai or filter coffee on the side.  This recipe is my fusion take on Indian upma, only more nutritious and wholesome.

If you are looking to spice things up around your dinner time , don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and like our FACEBOOK page. We love creating delicious , plant based recipes from around the world.  We will love you to be part of our group enjoying and recreating these delicious recipes !!

This Savory Chia Oats Bowl is 
Warm and comforting
Filling and wholesome
Quick and easy
Vegan, Gluten and Soy-free

Stove Top Instructions:
Use the Dutch Oven or heavy bottom cooking pot to make this recipe. On the medium heat, Sauté all the ingredients

Bring the water to boil. Reduce the heat. Cover the pot with lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes stirring few times so things don’t burn. Turn off the heat when water is almost evaporated and oats are cooked and tender. Stir well so all the cooked ingredients are mixed well. Squeeze lemon juice. Garnish with cut cilantro leaves and cashews on top. Serve warm.

If you make this Savory Chia Oats Bowl recipe, do let us know how you like it by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. We would love to hear your feedback. Use the PIN button to pin the recipe.

Yield: 4

Savory Chia Oats Bowl- Upma

Print

Savory Chia Oats Bowl is a delicious breakfast bowl of champions. Easy, healthy and warm comforting bowl is ideal for breakfast or lunch. GF, Vegan and WFPB.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 23 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tablespoon olive or coconut oil
• 1 small onion -finely chopped
• 1 cup tri color sweet peppers - Chopped
• 1 Jalapeño-De-seeded and chopped
• 4-5 curry leaves ( use 1 bay leaf as substitute)
• 1 inch ginger minced
• 1/2 lemon juiced
• Cilantro leaves, cashews for garnish
• Salt and pepper per taste

Instructions

InstantPot Instructions:

Turn InstantPot on Sauté Mode. Once it feels hot, add oil. Once oil feels warm, add chopped onion, jalapeño slices, minced ginger and curry leaves. Stir well and let it cook for couple minutes. Add bell peppers and oats. Stir well. Let it toast for 3-4 minutes. Make sure you stir it few times so it doesn't burn.

Add Chia seeds and water. Add salt and pepper and do the taste test. Mix well. Cancel Sauté. Close the lid and valve in Sealing Position. Use the MANUAL setting on the Instant Pot and choose high pressure for 3 minutes. When it's done cooking, let it go to Keep Warm setting and let the pressure drop naturally.

Once the pressure drops, carefully open the lid. Stir well so all the cooked ingredients are mixed well. Squeeze lemon juice and serve warm garnished with cut cilantro leaves and cashews on top.

Stove Top Instructions:

Use the Dutch Oven or heavy bottom cooking pot to make this recipe. On the medium heat, add oil to the pan. Once oil feels warm, add chopped onion, jalapeño slices, minced ginger and curry leaves. Stir well and let it cook for couple minutes. Add bell peppers and oats. Stir well. Let it toast for 3-4 minutes. Add Chia seeds and water. Add salt and pepper and do the taste test. Mix well.

Bring the water to boil. Reduce the heat. Cover the pot with lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes stirring few times so things don't burn. Turn off the heat when water is almost evaporated and oats are cooked and tender. Stir well so all the cooked ingredients are mixed well. Squeeze lemon juice. Garnish with cut cilantro leaves and cashews on top. Serve warm.

Notes

DO NOT use the quick release when making oats in InstantPot. ! Since oats foam up substantially, quick releasing it will result in hot oatmeal water spraying everywhere. So please wait for the Natural Pressure Release until at least 10 minutes.

Recommended Products

• 
  Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
• 
  BetterBody Foods Organic Chia Seeds 2lb, Non-GMO Great Taste, Contains 2300mg Omega-3s and 2g of Protein, Good Source of Fiber, Gluten-free, Use in Smoothies or Top Yogurt Soups or Salads
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Whole Grain Steel Cut Oats - 24 oz - 2 pk

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 221 Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 0mg Carbohydrates: 33g Fiber: 6g Sugar: 3g Protein: 6g