Easy and Delicious Poha Recipe | Breakfast Recipe
Recipe by Healthy BiteCuisine: Indian, North Indian5 minutes
15 minutes
200
1 bowl (about 1 cup)
27g per serving
Poha is a simple and wholesome Indian breakfast dish made with flattened rice, onions, and a medley of spices. It's light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a favorite in many Indian households. Whether you’re in a rush or looking for a comforting snack, Poha is the perfect go-to recipe. Let’s dive into making this comforting dish!
Ingredients
2 cups poha (flattened rice)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
small potato, diced (optional)
green chilies, finely chopped (adjust spice level)
1/4 cup peanuts
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
4–5 curry leaves
2 tablespoons oil
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1/2 lemon, for juice
1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon sugar (for a hint of sweetness)
Directions
Prepare the Poha
- Rinse the poha in a colander under running water for 10–20 seconds. Be gentle to avoid breaking the flattened rice.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to soften. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and mix lightly.
Cook the Potatoes and Peanuts
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the peanuts and fry them until they turn golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the diced potatoes and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Tempering
- In the same pan, heat a little more oil if needed.
- Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Stir in the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
Add the Poha and Spices
- Add turmeric powder to the pan and mix well.
- Stir in the softened poha, cooked potatoes, and half of the fried peanuts.
- Mix everything gently to coat the poha with the turmeric and spices. Be careful not to mash the poha.
- Adjust salt to taste and cook for 2–3 minutes on low heat.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the poha.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and the remaining fried peanuts.
- Serve hot with a cup of chai or as a standalone dish!
Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: You can add green peas, grated carrots, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sugar along with the turmeric for a slightly sweet flavor.
- Crunchy Texture: Top with sev (fried gram flour noodles) or pomegranate seeds for added crunch.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the green chilies as per your spice tolerance.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Rinse and soften the poha in advance and keep it ready to cook for busy mornings.
Dietary Advice
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Poha is a vegetarian dish and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based oil.
- Gluten-Free: Flattened rice is naturally gluten-free, making this a safe option for those with gluten intolerance.
- Low-Calorie Option: Use less oil and skip the peanuts to make it lighter.
- Kid-Friendly: Mildly spice the poha and add a touch of sugar for a kid-approved version.