Irresistible Indian Overnight Oats Recipe
Introduction
Start your day with a flavorful twist on a classic breakfast: Indian Overnight Oats. This comforting dish combines aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron with creamy oats, making it both nutritious and indulgent. Perfect for busy mornings, it’s easy to prepare the night before and enjoy chilled.

Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and stir in the saffron strands and ground cardamom. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Step 2: In a jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats and chia seeds if you’re using them.
- Step 3: Pour the warm, infused milk over the oats. Add honey (or maple syrup), rose water, and vanilla extract, then mix everything well.
- Step 4: Cover your container and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Step 5: Before serving, give the oats a gentle stir to combine any settled ingredients.
- Step 6: Top the oats with chopped pistachios and almonds, or swap in your preferred nuts and dried fruits for added texture and taste.
- Step 7: Serve chilled. If the oats are too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. For an extra touch, garnish with a few saffron strands.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, try using coconut or almond milk instead of dairy milk.
- Add fresh fruits like mango or berries for a refreshing complement.
- Replace pistachios and almonds with cashews or walnuts if preferred.
- Rose water is optional but adds a lovely floral aroma that pairs beautifully with cardamom and saffron.
Storage
Store the overnight oats in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, stir well and add a little fresh milk if needed to loosen the texture. This dish is best enjoyed cold but can be briefly warmed if preferred.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but they may result in a softer, less textured final dish. Rolled oats are preferred for a better bite and creamier consistency.
Is it necessary to warm the milk with saffron and cardamom?
Warming the milk helps release the flavors of the saffron and cardamom, infusing the oats with their aroma. You can skip this step, but the flavor will be less pronounced.
PrintIrresistible Indian Overnight Oats Recipe
This Irresistible Indian Overnight Oats recipe blends the wholesome goodness of rolled oats with aromatic Indian flavors like cardamom, saffron, and rose water. Perfect for a nutritious and exotic breakfast, these oats are soaked overnight in infused milk for a creamy, flavorful, and convenient start to your day. Topped with crunchy nuts, this dish is both satisfying and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Flavorings
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
Instructions
- Infuse the Milk: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C), then stir in the saffron strands and ground cardamom. Allow this mixture to steep for 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully into the milk.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, add the rolled oats and chia seeds if using. These will absorb the liquid and create the creamy texture of the oats.
- Mix Infused Milk with Oats: Pour the saffron-cardamom infused milk over the oats and chia seeds. Add honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and stir in rose water and vanilla extract if using to enhance the aromatic profile.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar or bowl and place it in the refrigerator to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. This resting time allows the oats and chia seeds to soften and absorb all the flavors.
- Stir Before Serving: Before you enjoy, gently stir the oats to mix any settled ingredients and check consistency.
- Add Toppings: Top your overnight oats with the chopped pistachios and almonds or any preferred nuts or dried fruits for texture and added nutrition.
- Serve Chilled: Serve the oats cold directly from the fridge. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it. Garnish with a few extra saffron strands for a final touch of elegance.
Notes
- Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a vegan version.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Chia seeds are optional but help with a creamier texture and added fiber.
- You can swap pistachios and almonds with other nuts or seeds depending on preference.
- Rose water enhances the traditional Indian flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Keep the oats refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.
Keywords: Indian overnight oats, cardamom oats, saffron oats, healthy breakfast, no-cook oats, vegan overnight oats option, chia seed oats

