Kanda Poha, a popular breakfast dish in Maharashtra and several other parts of India, is simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. This comforting dish features flattened rice (poha) cooked with onions (kanda), spices, and a garnish of fresh coriander and lemon. Poha is not only light but also packed with nutrition, making it a great way to kickstart your day.
Here’s how you can make this delicious Kanda Poha at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of thick poha (flattened rice)
- 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- 8-10 curry leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 small potato (peeled and diced, optional)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Poha:
- First, rinse the poha under cold water in a colander to wash off the excess starch. Be gentle while rinsing so the poha doesn’t break. After rinsing, let it sit for a couple of minutes to soften, and then lightly fluff it with a fork to separate the flakes.
- Cook the Potatoes (Optional):
- If you’re adding potatoes, heat a pan with a little oil, add the diced potatoes, and sauté until they are soft and lightly golden. You can skip this step if you prefer a quicker version of the recipe.
- Temper the Spices:
- In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and then add the curry leaves.
- Next, add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add the Spices:
- Now, sprinkle the turmeric powder and sugar (if using) into the pan and stir well.
- Add the cooked potato pieces (if using) and stir to combine everything.
- Combine Poha with Spices:
- Add the softened poha to the pan and mix gently with the onion-spice mixture. Season with salt to taste and stir well.
- Let the poha cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the poha.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and, if desired, roasted peanuts for added crunch.
Tips for Perfect Kanda Poha:
- Texture: Make sure to wash the poha thoroughly, but do not soak it for too long as it can become mushy.
- Customization: You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Crunchy Element: If you love the crunch, roasted peanuts or sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles) make excellent additions.
Why Kanda Poha?
- Quick and Easy: Kanda Poha is a perfect breakfast dish for busy mornings. It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
- Light and Nutritious: Made with poha, this dish is light on the stomach and provides a good source of energy for the day ahead. It is high in carbohydrates, which gives you an instant energy boost, and also contains healthy fats from peanuts or oil.
- Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or tangy, you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Serve with:
Kanda Poha is traditionally served with a side of hot tea or coffee. It can also be paired with a simple yogurt or raita for a balanced meal.
Enjoy your homemade Kanda Poha and savor the comforting, warm flavors of this classic Maharashtrian breakfast!
