Poha Recipe: Light & Flavorful Indian Breakfast

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups (approx. 100g) Medium Poha (Flattened Rice)
• 2 tbsp Oil (Peanut or Vegetable)
• 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds (Rai)
• 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
• 1/4 cup Peanuts
• 10-12 Curry Leaves
• 1 Green Chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped Potato (optional)
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp Sugar (optional, for balance)
• Juice of 1/2 Lemon
• 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped, for garnish
• Sev or Bhujia for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Wash the Poha: Place the poha in a colander and rinse it gently under running water for 1-2 minutes until it becomes soft. Be careful not to over-rinse, as it can become mushy. Drain thoroughly and set aside for 5-7 minutes to allow it to puff up slightly.

2. 2

   Prepare the Tempering: Heat oil in a large non-stick pan or kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and peanuts, frying until the peanuts turn light golden and crispy.

3. 3

   Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add curry leaves, chopped green chili, and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until the onion turns translucent. If using, add finely chopped potato and cook until it's tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. 4

   Season the Poha: Add turmeric powder and salt to the pan and mix well with the cooked vegetables. Gently add the rinsed and drained poha to the pan. Sprinkle sugar (if using) and mix everything together very carefully, ensuring the poha doesn't break.

5. 5

   Steam and Finish: Cover the pan with a lid and let the poha steam on low heat for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the poha to become even softer. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over it, and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.

6. 6

   Serve Hot: Serve the hot, fluffy Poha immediately, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of sev or bhujia for extra crunch. Enjoy your delicious homemade Poha!