Poha (Rice Flakes)

Poha is a simple Indian breakfast, quick snack, or light dinner recipe made with flattened rice flakes, peanuts, and spices. It's popular not only in Maharashtra and Gujrat but also in many other regions of India. It's very easy to prepare.

Preparation time - 10 minutes, cooking time - 10 minutes, servings - 2

Ingredients

1. 1 ½ cups of poha (Rice flakes)

2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped

3. 2 to 3 green chilies, cut or chopped (optional)

4. 6-8 curry leaves

5. 1 medium potato (optional), cut into small slices (½ cup)

6. 1 ½ tablespoons of oil

7. 3 to 4 tablespoons of raw peanuts

8. ¾ teaspoon of mustard seeds

9. ¼ teaspoon of Asafoetida / Hing

10. ¾ teaspoon cumin seeds

11. ¼ teaspoon turmeric (add more if needed for color)

12. Salt according to test

13. ½ to 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

14. Lemon juice according to the test.

15. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves

16. Bhujiya sev for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. To make poha, choose medium to coarse rice flakes (avoid thin flakes). Add them to a bowl or a colander or strainer.

2. Pour in 4 to 5 cups of water and rinse quickly. Drain completely.

3. Cover and set aside to soften. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables.

4. Now run your fingers through the soaked poha to break up any lumps and sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cover and set aside.

How to make Poha

1. Heat a pan and add the peanuts.

2. Dry roast until golden brown and fragrant. Remove to a plate and set aside.

3. Pour oil into the same pan and heat it. Add the mustard and cumin. When they begin to pop, add the asafoetida, onions, curry leaves, and green chilies.

4. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Optional: Add the sliced potatoes after the onions and sauté for one minute. Cover and simmer until soft and fully cooked.

5. Add turmeric, roasted peanuts, and poha. Mix well and cover the pan.

6. Cook over very low heat until hot.

7. Next, add the cilantro leaves and turn off.

8. Taste and add more salt if needed and sprinkle with lemon juice to taste.

9. Garnish the poha with bhujia sev and fresh coriander leaves.

Enjoy your steaming poha with a cup of hot tea!