simple oats haleem recipe

Easy Oats Haleem is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the goodness of chicken, lentils, and oats. This simple oats haleem recipe is perfect for family meals, special occasions, or just a cozy night in. The flavors are rich and comforting, making it a staple in Indian and Pakistani cuisines. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal or something to impress guests, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy a delicious combination of spices and textures that make each bite satisfying.
• One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with this easy one-pot meal that simplifies cooking.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and lentils, plus the health benefits of oats.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in about an hour, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
• Customizable: Adjust spices and garnishes according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To create this simple oats haleem recipe, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Blender (for making paste)

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even cooking and prevents burning while preparing the haleem.
• Blender: Perfect for quickly making the coriander, mint, and green chilli paste for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

Easy Oats Haleem is a spiced one-pot meal made with chicken, lentils, and oats. Full of flavor and ready in about an hour.

Ingredients:
– 500 g chicken with bones or boneless options like leg pieces
– 2 onions, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 4-6 green chillies
– 4 tbsp mash dal
– 2 tbsp moong dal
– 2 tbsp masoor dal
– 1/2 cup cooking oil
– 5 tbsp ghee
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 3 cloves
– 9 peppercorns
– 2 1/2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
– 1 tbsp red chilli powder
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
– 1 1/2 tsp coriander powder
– 1 tbsp cumin powder
– 2-3 tsp salt (to taste)
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 cup oats (instant or quick-cook)
– 3-4 cups water or homemade chicken broth
– 2 chicken stock cubes
– 1/4 cup fried onions (for garnishing)
– 2 tbsp chopped coriander (for garnishing)
– 1/4 cup fried cashews (for garnishing)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make simple oats haleem recipe

Step 1: Soak Lentils

Wash and soak all lentils/dals in water. Let them rest while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Fry Onions

Fry sliced onions in oil until golden brown. Divide into two portions—crush half for later use.

Step 3: Make Green Paste

Blend together fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, and green chillies until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil. Add whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns), followed by ginger garlic paste. Add red chilli powder, half the salt, garam masala, and turmeric; fry for 1 minute.

Step 5: Add Chicken

Incorporate chicken pieces along with yogurt into the pot. Sauté briefly before mixing in crushed fried onions and green chilli paste. Cook until fragrant.

Step 6: Tenderize Chicken

Pour in 1/2 cup water; cover the pot. Cook until the chicken becomes tender.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from the pot when done. Shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the mixture.

Step 8: Incorporate Lentils

Add soaked lentils along with chicken stock to the mixture. Cover again and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 9: Mix Oats & Spices

Stir in oats along with coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and remaining salt. Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 10: Finish with Ghee

Add ghee to enhance richness; mix thoroughly into the haleem.

Step 11: Garnish

Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves, fried onions, fried cashews, and lemon slices for added flavor.

Step 12: Enjoy!

Savor your delicious simple oats haleem recipe warm with your choice of naan or rice!

How to Serve simple oats haleem recipe

Serving simple oats haleem can elevate your meal experience. This dish is not only delicious but also offers a comforting warmth that pairs well with several accompaniments.

With Naan or Roti

• Naan: Soft and fluffy, perfect for scooping up the rich haleem.
• Roti: Whole wheat flatbread that complements the spices in the dish.

With Fresh Salad

• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A refreshing side that balances the spices with its coolness.
• Onion Salad: Thinly sliced onions with lemon juice to add zest.

With Yogurt or Raita

• Plain Yogurt: Creamy yogurt helps tone down the heat while adding richness.
• Mint Raita: A cooling yogurt dip made with mint and cucumber enhances flavor.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Coriander: Sprinkling fresh coriander adds a burst of freshness.
• Mint Leaves: Adds an aromatic touch to each serving.

How to Perfect simple oats haleem recipe

To achieve the best results with your simple oats haleem, consider these helpful tips:

• Boldly soak lentils: Soaking lentils beforehand helps them cook faster and blend better into the dish.
• Boldly fry onions: Ensure onions are golden brown for deep flavor; they enhance the overall taste of the haleem.
• Boldly season gradually: Add salt and spices in stages for better control over flavor intensity.
• Boldly shred chicken finely: Shredding the chicken into small pieces allows it to mix seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Boldly adjust water levels: Depending on your desired consistency, you may need to tweak the amount of water added during cooking.
• Boldly garnish generously: Use plenty of fried onions, cashews, and herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for simple oats haleem recipe

Pairing your simple oats haleem with complementary side dishes can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Mint Chutney: Fresh and zesty, it adds a delightful contrast to the hearty haleem.
2. Pickles (Achaar): Spicy or tangy pickles introduce a punch of flavor that cuts through the richness.
3. Fried Papadum: Crispy papadum gives a crunchy texture to each bite of soft haleem.
4. Spiced Potatoes (Aloo Masala): Flavorful spiced potatoes make a hearty accompaniment that rounds out the meal.
5. Sliced Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens up each serving wonderfully.
6. Basmati Rice: Light, fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy from your haleem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the simple oats haleem recipe, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Using old lentils: Old or expired lentils may not cook properly. Always check the expiry date and use fresh ones for the best texture.
• Overcooking chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook just until tender, then shred and return it to the dish.
• Not balancing spices: Too much or too little spice can ruin the flavor. Follow the recipe closely and adjust gradually if needed.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes add flavor and visual appeal. Always top your haleem with fried onions, cashews, and fresh herbs for a complete dish.
• Neglecting consistency: If your haleem is too thick, it may require more water or broth. Adjust gradually while cooking for ideal consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing simple oats haleem recipe

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Make sure to label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating simple oats haleem recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simple oats haleem recipe?

The simple oats haleem recipe is a quick version of traditional haleem made with oats, chicken, lentils, and spices. It provides rich flavors in a one-pot meal.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does simple oats haleem last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this dish can last up to 3-4 days. If frozen, it can last up to 2-3 months.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The simple oats haleem recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily, making it great for busy weekdays.

Final Thoughts

This simple oats haleem recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients according to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or something comforting on a chilly day, give this recipe a try! You can experiment with various garnishes or adjust spices based on your preference. Enjoy your cooking adventure!