🌱 Oats Cutlets in Savory Tomato Sauce🌱
💝 They’re golden, crispy on the outside, tender and aromatic inside, and swimming in a rich tomato sauce that tastes like comfort on a rainy day. These cutlets are made from humble oats — yes, those same breakfast oats — but you’ll never look at them the same way again. With caramelised onions, garlic, and a hint of fresh herbs, they’re bursting with depth and warmth. No meat, no eggs, no flour — and yet, they hold beautifully and taste absolutely divine. You won’t believe these are vegan, and neither will your guests.🌿
🍜 The sauce? It’s a velvety tomato base with grated carrots and fragrant dried herbs that make your whole kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria. Each bite is soft, flavourful, and slightly tangy with just the right amount of spice. This is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside. It’s hearty enough for lunch, elegant enough for dinner, and quick enough for weekday cooking. Serve it with crusty bread, creamy polenta or a handful of fresh herbs. It’s a little miracle made from pantry staples. Just boil, grate, mix, fry, simmer — and voilà! Your new favourite comfort food is born. Ready to surprise everyone with a no-fuss masterpiece? 🎉
🌿 My newfound favorite snack, the oats cutlet, surpasses the nutritional value of pre-packaged, ready-to-fry snacks. Moreover, the cutlet mixture effortlessly comes together in a food processor, minimizing any potential mess. Crafted from basic pantry ingredients, these vegetable cutlets are a breeze to whip up and can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for an extended period!
🍃 Are you in search of a nutritious breakfast option? 🍂
Why not give this simple Oats Cutlet Recipe a shot! These cutlets are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. What’s more, they are gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for meal prepping. Don’t forget to check out the accompanying video!📽️
🌿 This dish is a perfect example of budget-friendly cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste. It fills the kitchen with a nostalgic scent of homemade meals, slow-cooked with love. The texture is a true delight — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with bursts of sweetness from the carrots. A family-friendly option that’s ideal for both weeknights and relaxed weekends. You can serve it solo or with a dollop of yoghurt, or tuck it into pita bread for a quick sandwich. Even the pickiest eaters won’t resist a second helping. It’s high in fibre, satisfying, and surprisingly filling. The prep is easy, the result is mouth-watering. This is comfort food that hugs you back. One bite and you’ll know — this recipe’s a keeper.🌻
👩🍳 There’s something irresistibly comforting about golden oat cutlets simmered gently in a rich tomato sauce. With their crispy exterior and tender, hearty centre, these cutlets taste like a warm hug on a cold evening. No meat, no fuss — just simple, honest ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The oats soak up the flavours beautifully, while the onions and garlic bring depth. The tomato sauce isn’t just a backdrop; it wraps each cutlet in fragrant warmth, thanks to basil and aromatic herbs.🌿
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍅 Budget-friendly & meatless – made from everyday ingredients that cost almost nothing.
🥣 Nutritious & filling – oats and vegetables provide fibre, vitamins, and long-lasting satiety.
🌿 Naturally vegan – no dairy, no eggs, no flour, and yet full of texture and flavour.
🕰️ Quick to prepare – 30 minutes from start to finish.
🔥 Comfort in every bite – warm, savoury, and slightly sweet from the tomato-carrot sauce.
🍽️ Perfect for meal prep – reheats beautifully and can be frozen.
✨ Customisable – add spices or herbs to match your personal taste.
📅 Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe)
(Serves 4 portions)
Calories: 298 kcal
Protein: 7.2 g
Fats: 11.4 g
Carbohydrates: 41.6 g
Fibre: 6.9 g
Sugar: 6.3 g
Sodium: 570 mg
All values approximate
👨🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-step)
✔️ Step 1: Soak the Oats
Place 200 g of oats in a bowl and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Let them swell for 10–15 minutes.
💡Letting the oats fully absorb the water makes the cutlets tender and easy to shape.
✔️ Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Grate 2 onions, 1 large potato, and 3 cloves of garlic.
💡Use a fine grater for garlic — this releases more aroma and blends better into the mix.
✔️ Step 3: Combine the Mixture
Add grated vegetables to the softened oats. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix well.
💡Mix by hand to feel the texture — it should be sticky but not too wet.
✔️ Step 4: Shape the Cutlets
Form the mixture into small, oval-shaped patties.
💡Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
✔️ Step 5: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan. Fry the cutlets on both sides until browned and crispy.
💡Don’t overcrowd the pan — it helps keep the cutlets crisp.
✔️ Step 6: Start the Sauce Base
In a separate pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add 2 diced onions and 3 grated garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes.
💡Low heat is key — you want the onions to melt, not burn.
✔️ Step 7: Add the Carrot
Add 1 grated carrot and cook until softened.
💡The carrot adds natural sweetness and balance to the tomato acidity.
✔️ Step 8: Pour in the Liquid
Add 1 cup of water and 2 tbsp tomato paste. Stir until combined.
💡Dissolve tomato paste fully — it thickens and enriches the sauce.
✔️ Step 9: Season the Sauce
Add salt to taste, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 tsp mixed dried herbs. Bring to a gentle boil.
💡Let the sauce simmer so herbs release their full aroma.
✔️ Step 10: Simmer the Cutlets
Place the cutlets into the bubbling sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes.
💡Gently shake the pot instead of stirring to keep the cutlets intact.
🛒 Ingredients:
🌾 Oatmeal – 200 g (7 oz)
💧 Boiling water – 1 cup
🧅 Onion – 2, grated + 2 diced
🧄 Garlic – 3 cloves, grated
🥔 Potato – 1 large, grated
🧂 Salt – 1 tsp (plus to taste for sauce)
⚫ Black pepper – ½ tsp
🛢️ Olive oil – for frying and sautéing
🥕 Carrot – 1, grated
🍅 Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
🌿 Dried basil – 1 tsp
🌿 Dried herbs – 1 tsp
💧 Water – 1 cup (for sauce)
🧊 Storage & Freshness Tips
🧊 Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze in a single layer on parchment, then transfer to bags for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat in a covered pan over low heat to retain texture.
🥣 Store sauce separately if making in advance.
🍽️ Delicious even cold the next day as a sandwich filling.
🍽️ Kitchen Tools and 🛠️ Equipment Needed 🔪
🧂 Mixing bowl
🧄 Garlic press or grater
🥄 Wooden spoon
🍳 Non-stick frying pan
🍲 Deep sauté pan or pot
🧊 Spatula
🧻 Paper towels
🧴 Oil brush
🥄 Measuring spoons
📅 Nutritional Benefits
🌱 Oats support heart health and help lower cholesterol.
🧄 Garlic is a natural antibiotic and boosts the immune system.
🧅 Onion contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
🥕 Carrots are rich in beta-carotene for eye health.
🌿 Basil and herbs support digestion and reduce bloating.
🥔 Potatoes provide energy and keep you full longer.
🍅 Tomato paste is high in lycopene, great for skin and heart.
🛢️ Olive oil offers healthy fats and improves nutrient absorption.
🌾 Whole grains support gut health and digestion.
🍽️ This dish is plant-based, low-fat, and full of fibre.
🌿 Health Benefits of the Ingredients
🌱 Including oats, garlic, and vegetables in your diet boosts fibre intake, supports digestive health, and helps maintain a healthy weight. This recipe is also heart-friendly, reduces inflammation, and keeps you fuller for longer without relying on processed or refined ingredients. 🌱
🥔 Potatoes deliver energy and important minerals
🍅 Tomato paste is rich in antioxidants that protect cells
🌿 Basil and herbs provide natural anti-bacterial properties
💧 Water-based sauce aids hydration and digestion
🧂 Salt and spices awaken flavour while supporting mineral balance
🌾 Oats support heart health, control blood sugar, and lower cholesterol
🧄 Garlic enhances immunity and fights inflammation
🧅 Onions provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds
🥕 Carrots improve eyesight and support the immune system
🫒 Olive oil supplies healthy fats for brain and heart health
📅 Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Serve hot with freshly chopped parsley or dill.
🥖 Accompany with warm sourdough or garlic bread.
🥗 Add a fresh salad of cucumber, tomato, and lemon juice.
🥣 Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or soft polenta.
🧄 Drizzle extra virgin olive oil for a silky finish.
🍋 Add a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
🌶️ Garnish with red chilli flakes for extra heat.
🧊 Enjoy cold as a savoury sandwich filler.
🌾 Serve over rice or bulgur for a complete meal.
🧂 Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan twist.
🌟 20 Tips & Secrets
💡 Let the oats cool before adding other ingredients — it helps with binding.
💡 Grate the potato with the skin for extra texture and nutrients.
💡 Season the cutlet mix boldly — oats need flavour support.
💡 If mixture feels wet, add a spoon of breadcrumbs.
💡 Double the tomato paste for a richer sauce.
💡 Add smoked paprika for a deeper, BBQ-like flavour.
💡 Use non-stick cookware to prevent breakage.
💡 Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
💡 Blend the sauce for a smoother finish if preferred.
💡 Don’t skip the garlic — it elevates the entire dish.
💡 Try air frying the cutlets for less oil.
💡 Add cooked lentils for more protein.
💡 Cook sauce slowly — flavour improves over time.
💡 Add fresh basil at the end for brightness.
💡 For gluten-free, use certified oats.
💡 Don’t move cutlets too early while frying — they might break.
💡 Freeze raw cutlets to cook later for quick dinners.
💡 Use leftovers in wraps with hummus and salad.
💡 Add sunflower seeds to the mix for crunch.
💡 Sprinkle sesame on top before frying for extra texture.
🌿 This dish proves that plant-based can be deeply satisfying, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavour. The oats transform into golden cutlets that feel hearty and indulgent, while the tomato sauce wraps them in a warm, fragrant hug. Whether you’re serving it to kids, guests, or enjoying a solo dinner — it always delivers. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, encourages mindful eating, and tastes even better the next day. You’ll feel good knowing it’s nourishing, affordable, and good for the planet. Every bite is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few humble ingredients and a pinch of love, you can cook up magic in 30 minutes. Trust your hands, trust your senses — and let your kitchen be your sanctuary tonight. ✨
🌻 This recipe is a bowl of sunshine on a cloudy day. The oat cutlets are satisfying and full of character, while the sauce brings soul to the plate. It’s simple food done with care — every bite tells a story. You’ll find it easy to make, even easier to love. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it scales beautifully. This is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savour. The textures, the warmth, the homemade touch — it’s all here. It shows that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up on flavour. If you’re looking for a dish that comforts and nourishes, this is it. Don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your weekly rotation. There’s joy in this recipe, and you’ll taste it in every mouthful.🎉
