Oats Chapathi

Oats chapathi is yet another easy to make/instant food which can find a staple place in your diet. For long years, oats has been associated with weight loss owing to its rich fiber content, for all those weight-watchers, you can benefit from this oats chapathi by making it a regular in your diet.

Best Accompaniment : Any Dhal/Channa or Rajma or BEB Masala/any gravy side-dish

Health Benefits of Oats:

1. Oats for Weight Loss. Starting the day with a nutritious, fiber rich meal such as oats can help with maintaining a healthy weight.
2. Oats can significantly reduces LDL cholesterol.
3. Slows the rise in the blood sugar levels after a meal, hence making it the best choice for diabetics.

In order to make this oats chapathi, Powdered oats needs to be ready. Take 3 to 4 cups of normal Oats (I have used Quaker oats), and fine grind it into a blender and store in a air-tight container. I always have stock of this powdered oats for quick preparation of this chapathi anytime.

The oats powder has a coarse texture, hence this oats chapathi may not have a soft texture like the normal chapathi. Also when rolling the chapathi you need not be disappointed if you don't get a perfect round shape, due to the coarseness. However the chapathi softness and taste is guaranteed.

The garam masala, cumin seeds, turmeric powder are optional ingredients, just for adding the flavour. You can omit them if you want.

Ingredients:

1. Wheat flour - 1 Cup
2. Powdered Oats - 1 Cup
3. Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
4. Garam masala powder - a pinch
5. Turmeric powder - a pinch
6. Salt - 1 tsp
7. Water - 1/2 cup

Method:

1. Add all the above ingredients from 1 to 6 in a bowl and mix well. Add water little by little and knead to make a soft chapathi dough. Set this dough aside for 5 to 10 minutes if you want.

2. Divide the chapathi into small balls of equal shape and roll it, dusting it with little wheat flour, as we do for a normal chapathi.

3. Heat the non-stick tava, place one chapathi on it, and wait till small brown spots appear, then turn the chapathi around and repeat the same.

4. Spread little oil over the chapathi and toss it around and do the same on the other side. Cook the chapathi until even brown spots appear on both the sides and then remove.

5. Serve hot with any dhal or gravy side dish.

Broccoli Fry/Thoran

Broccoli is a very healthy vegetable for many reasons, however in Indian cuisine, largely it doesn't find a staple place and even if used, it is mostly restricted to soups and salads. Considering its benefits, it needs to be fitted into our diet more on a regular basis. This broccoli stir fry/thoran is a very desi version, which is very simple and quick to make, which can be a perfect combo for your chapathi and even rice.

Health Benefits of Broccoli:

1. Prevents cancer. Anti-carcinogen properties are also present in broccoli and these are effective in hindering the development of prostate, cervical and breast cancer while also improving liver health.
2. Maintains a healthier nervous system. This can be attributed to its high potassium content.
3. Regulates blood pressure. This is possible because of the presence of magnesium, calcium and potassium in broccoli.
4. Reduces cholesterol. The vegetable contains a huge amount of soluble fiber which is proven to be effective in drawing out cholesterol from the body.
5. A great addition to your diet.

Ingredients:

Broccoli - 1 Cup (Chopped)
Onions - 1 Cup (Chopped)
Seasoning Ingredients: Oil - 1 tsp, mustard seeds - 1 tsp, Broken urud dhal - 1 tsp, Cumin seeds - 1 tsp, G.Chillies - 3 (slit lengthwise), Curry leaves - 10

Method:

1. Season as given and add the chopped onions and fry until translucent.

2. Add the chopped broccoli and mix well. Sprinkle little water and cook closed until well cooked. In between open the lid and give a mix.

3. Once well cooked, remove and serve.