Poha Cheela is a nutritious and delicious breakfast dish that combines the goodness of poha (flattened rice) with the heartiness of a savory pancake. Packed with essential nutrients and full of flavor, Poha Cheela is the perfect way to start your day. It’s quick, easy to make, and incredibly versatile—ideal for those busy mornings when you want a healthy meal that keeps you energized for hours.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup poha (flattened rice)
- 1/4 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/4 cup rice flour (optional, for crispiness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil or ghee for cooking
Instructions:
- Prepare the Poha:
- Rinse the poha under cold water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It should become soft but not mushy. Once done, gently fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
- Prepare the Cheela Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened poha, besan, and rice flour (if using). Mix well.
- Add the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and green chilies to the bowl.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Gradually add water, little by little, to form a smooth batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Cook the Poha Cheela:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or ghee.
- Once the skillet is hot, pour a ladle of batter onto the center of the tawa. Use the back of the ladle to spread it into a round, even pancake, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to lift and turn golden brown.
- Flip the cheela carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until it is crisp and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the Poha Cheela from the pan and serve hot with chutney or yogurt on the side.
- You can also pair it with a cup of tea or fresh juice for a wholesome breakfast.
Tips for a Perfect Poha Cheela:
- For added crunch: Use a mix of besan (gram flour) and rice flour. The rice flour will give the cheela a crisp texture.
- For a healthier version: You can skip the rice flour and use only besan. Add finely grated carrots or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- For flavor variation: Add a pinch of garam masala or chat masala to the batter for a unique twist.
Benefits of Poha Cheela:
- High in protein: The addition of besan helps increase the protein content, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in fiber: Poha is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals: The addition of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander enhances the vitamin and mineral content of the dish.
- Low in calories: Poha Cheela is a light meal that won’t weigh you down, making it a great option for a healthy breakfast.
Poha Cheela is an energy-packed, delicious breakfast dish that can be customized with different veggies and spices. It’s an excellent way to stay full of energy throughout the day while enjoying a tasty, savory meal. Try this recipe tomorrow morning and fuel up for a productive day ahead!
