Poha is a popular and delicious breakfast dish in India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. It’s made with flattened rice (poha), cooked with a variety of spices, vegetables, and herbs, making it both nutritious and flavorful. Quick to prepare and light on the stomach, Poha is an excellent option to start your day. Here’s a simple recipe to make Poha at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Poha (flattened rice)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup boiled potatoes, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but recommended for a slight sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped coriander leaves (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (for crunch)
- A few curry leaves (optional)
- Grated coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rinse the Poha:
- Place the poha in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water. Gently shake the strainer to remove excess water. The poha should be soft, but not mushy. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the water to absorb.
- Tempering the Spices:
- Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add chopped green chilies and curry leaves, if using. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Cooking the Vegetables:
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add the boiled potatoes (if using) and peas. Cook for a couple of minutes until the peas are tender.
- Adding Spices:
- Stir in turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Cooking Poha:
- Add the rinsed poha to the pan. Mix gently so that the poha gets evenly coated with the spices and vegetables.
- Add sugar (optional) and stir to combine.
- Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Final Touches:
- Turn off the heat and squeeze in lemon juice. Give it a final gentle stir.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, roasted peanuts, and grated coconut (if using).
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Poha hot with a side of curd (yogurt) or a cup of masala chai for a complete breakfast experience.
- You can also enjoy it with a sprinkle of sev or pomegranate seeds for added crunch and color.
Tips:
- To make Poha even more nutritious, you can add a variety of vegetables like carrots, capsicum, or tomatoes.
- Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the number of green chilies or adding a pinch of red chili powder if you prefer a spicier version.
- For a healthier version, you can skip the sugar or replace it with jaggery.
Poha is loved by people of all ages and is a great dish for busy mornings. It’s quick to prepare, filling, and full of flavors that will keep you energized for the day ahead. Enjoy this traditional Indian breakfast with your family!
