Easy Oats Haleem 🥘
Ingredients📝
→ Protein
500 g chicken with bones or boneless options like leg pieces
→ Vegetables and Herbs
2 onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
4-6 green chillies
→ Lentils
4 tbsp mash dal
2 tbsp moong dal
2 tbsp masoor dal
→ Fat and Oil
1/2 cup cooking oil
5 tbsp ghee
→ Whole Spices
2 cinnamon sticks
3 cloves
9 peppercorns
→ Ground Spices
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
→ Other
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)
Instructions📍
Wash and soak all lentils/dals. Set aside.
Fry sliced onions until golden brown. Divide into two portions. Crush half and keep the other half aside.
Make a paste of coriander, mint, and green chillies.
Heat oil in a pan, add whole spices, ginger garlic paste, red chilli powder, half the salt, garam masala, and turmeric. Fry for 1 minute.
Add chicken and yogurt. Sauté briefly before adding crushed fried onions and green chilli paste. Sauté again.
Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and cook until the chicken is tender.
Shred the cooked chicken and add it back into the masala mixture.
Add chicken stock and the soaked lentils. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add oats, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and the remaining salt. Mix well.
Add ghee and mix thoroughly.
Garnish with chopped coriander, lemon slices, fried onions, and fried cashews.
Serve hot.
Notes
After adding lentils, cover and cook on low flame to ensure even cooking.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the pan.
An Instant Pot can be used to minimize cooking time.
Haleem is a traditional dish enjoyed in many cultures for its rich, hearty flavor and nourishing ingredients. What makes this Easy Oats Haleem unique is the incorporation of instant or quick-cook oats alongside a blend of lentils such as mash dal, moong dal, and masoor dal, which adds both texture and additional protein. Using oats not only thickens the haleem smoothly but also increases the fiber content, making this recipe a healthier take on the classic. The foundation of flavor comes from the carefully selected spices, including whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and peppercorns, combined with ground spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin powders. These spices provide a warm, aromatic depth essential to authentic haleem. Incorporating fresh herbs such as coriander and mint leaves intensifies the freshness and balances out the spice heat from the green chilies and red chili powder. Cooking the chicken with yogurt tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tang, enhancing the overall richness of the dish. The step of frying onions until golden and partially crushing them adds a sweet, caramelized layer to the dish, which complements the savory spices perfectly. For those seeking convenience, using an Instant Pot can drastically reduce cooking time while still achieving tender chicken and perfectly cooked lentils. It’s important to cook on low heat after adding lentils to allow flavors to meld together and prevent sticking. Garnishing with fried onions, fried cashews, chopped coriander, and lemon slices elevates the presentation and introduces contrasting textures and flavors, creating a satisfying eating experience. This recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile — you can adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the green chillies and chili powder according to your taste preference. Additionally, opting for boneless chicken pieces shortens cooking time and makes shredding easier. Serve this Easy Oats Haleem hot as a wholesome meal during family gatherings or festive occasions. Its nutritional advantages, combined with authentic taste and an easy cooking process, make it a great choice for those wanting a nutritious yet indulgent dish.