So, poha is like this super popular breakfast dish in India, especially Maharashtra and some other states. It’s made from flattened rice flakes, and it’s really easy to make and taste good too. People eat it in morning mostly but honestly I eat it anytime coz it’s light and filling.
If u never made poha before, no worries. It’s really simple and u don’t need many ingredients. I’ll tell u step by step how to make it, and some tips to make it better.
What is Poha?
Poha is basically flattened rice flakes. Like rice but pressed flat so it cooks real fast. When u cook poha, u rinse it quickly then cook it with mustard seeds, onions, green chili, peanuts, turmeric and some other stuff. It’s kinda like savory breakfast with little spice but really yummy.
Ingredients Needed
-
2 cups poha (flattened rice flakes) – not too thick or it gets hard
-
1 big onion (chopped finely)
-
2 green chillies (chopped)
-
1/2 cup peanuts
-
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
-
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
-
few curry leaves (if u find)
-
1 potato (small cubes, optional)
-
1 tbsp oil
-
Salt as per taste
-
1 tsp sugar (optional)
-
juice of half lemon
-
fresh coriander leaves for garnish
How To Make Poha Step By Step
1. Wash The Poha
First rinse poha in a strainer under running water for few seconds. Don’t soak too long or else poha becomes mushy and yucky. After rinsing keep it aside to drain.
2. Roast Peanuts
Heat oil in pan, put peanuts and roast till golden and crunchy. Remove peanuts and keep aside.
3. Temper Mustard Seeds
In same oil add mustard seeds and wait till they pop. Add curry leaves and green chillies. Be careful curry leaves splatter sometimes.
4. Fry Onion and Potato
Add onions and fry till translucent or slightly brown. If u added potato cubes, add them now and cook till soft.
5. Add Turmeric and Salt
Put turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
6. Add Poha
Add rinsed poha to pan. Mix gently so it dont break. Add sugar if u want. Cook on low heat for few minutes.
7. Add Peanuts and Lemon Juice
Put roasted peanuts back in. Squeeze lemon juice. Mix all well.
8. Garnish and Serve
Add coriander leaves on top. Serve hot with chai or coffee.
Tips For Better Poha
-
Don’t soak poha too long or it will be soggy.
-
Use fresh poha flakes not old ones coz old poha gets hard.
-
Potato adds good texture but optional.
-
Peanuts give nice crunch don’t skip them.
-
Add green chilies as per ur spice level.
-
Lemon juice is must, it gives nice tang.
-
Can add sev or grated coconut on top if u like.
Different Types of Poha
-
Kanda Poha – with more onions
-
Batata Poha – with potato cubes
-
Indori Poha – with sev and pomegranate seeds on top
-
Cheese Poha – add cheese for twist
-
Veg Poha – add peas, carrots etc
Why Poha Is So Popular?
Poha is light, tasty, easy and fast. Perfect breakfast for busy people. Also good snack anytime. Easy to make with simple ingredients which u mostly have at home.
Final Words
Poha is really simple dish but very tasty and filling. Try it once and u will love it. Perfect for mornings or when u want light meal. If u want more Indian recipes just ask me.