Instead of cashews, you can add peanuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Mix 2 tablespoons of rava with oats if you want. Always deglaze the bottom of the pot with a splash of water after sautéing onions to avoid the “burn” warning. Add a touch of amchur (dry mango powder), pav bhaji masala, or a dash of garam masala if you like a tangy or spiced flavor profile. Even a pinch of chaat masala right before serving adds a zing.
For the best texture and flavor, I recommend using Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats when making veg Oats Upma. They hold their shape well and offer a slightly chewy bite that works beautifully in savory Indian dishes like this one.
Here’s how other oat varieties compare:
🥄 Steel-Cut Oats – Great if you enjoy a heartier, nuttier flavor and more bite. However, they require a longer cooking time and more water, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
⏱️ Quick or Instant Oats – Perfect for when you’re in a rush. They cook fast but tend to break down quickly, resulting in a softer, more porridge-like texture. They may also impart a stronger oat flavor.
👉 Pro Tip: Regardless of the variety you choose, you may need to adjust the water ratio and cooking time slightly.
🔥 Optional: Dry roast your oats for 1–2 minutes before adding them to the recipe. This step deepens their flavor, reduces sliminess, and makes a noticeable difference—especially in Instant Pot or one-pot versions.
Leftover Vegetable Oats Upma can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. As the upma cools, it tends to thicken—so when reheating, especially in the microwave or on the stovetop, be sure to add a splash of hot water and stir to restore its soft, porridge-like consistency.
You can also freeze the upma for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a fun fusion twist, repurpose leftovers by stuffing them into wraps, dosa, sandwiches, or even parathas—a great way to enjoy this savory oatmeal in a new form!
Absolutely! This Indian Upma is highly customizable. You can add vegetables like spinach, kale, methi leaves, beet greens, green beans, corn, cabbage, bell peppers, potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms—use whatever is in season or available in your fridge. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a great time-saving option. To ensure even cooking, it’s best to chop all vegetables into small, uniform pieces.
If you prefer a no-onion version (for fasting or dietary reasons), feel free to skip the onion entirely.
To boost the protein content, add paneer, tofu, chickpeas, kidney beans, soy chunks, or TVP (textured vegetable protein). These additions make the dish more filling and nutritious. While veggies contribute flavor, nutrition, and texture, you can skip them altogether if needed—the upma will still turn out delicious and comforting.
To prepare spiced oats upma on the stovetop, simply follow the same steps as the Instant Pot version—sauté all the ingredients in a deep pan or kadhai. Once the veggies and spices are cooked, add rolled oats and water in a 1:2 ratio (i.e., 1 cup oats to 2 cups water). Mix everything well, cover the pan, and let it cook on low to medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if needed. This slow cooking helps achieve the perfect porridge-like yet fluffy consistency. Once done, fluff it gently with a spoon and serve hot!
Yes, you can make this Indian-style Oatmeal recipe without oil in the Instant Pot!
Turn on the Sauté mode, and instead of adding oil or vegan ghee, use a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to toast the tempering ingredients like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Keep stirring to prevent burning. You can continue to sauté ginger, green chilies, onions, and other aromatics using small splashes of water as needed to prevent sticking.
This water-sauté method still brings out the flavors beautifully, making the masala porridge oil-free and suitable for a whole food plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle — while keeping it light and healthy without compromising on taste!