‘Poha’ (Flattened rice or beaten rice ) is one of the easiest , healthy and filling breakfast  which  is said to have originated in western and northern India. ‘Poha’ is a good source of carbohydrate, rich in iron and low on gluten.There are two varieties of  the ‘poha’, thick and thin . This breakfast dish requires the “thick” poha .The thin poha is usually not preferred  as the recipe requires soaking it in water and  can make it soggy . It is also a very common breakfast in many households back home and there are many variations to making it .I  mainly use cumin. turmeric and salt for the spices in this dish. You can also add vegetables like carrot and peas and spices like  “garam masala” or grated coconut etc to make it interesting. I stick to the recipe that I have  known and eaten growing up  and the details are in the recipe below.The combination of the chewy ‘poha’ , peanuts , citrus lime ,soft fried potatoes and onions is an awesome flavor to relish. Have this dish with a cup of tea or ‘chai’ to awaken all your senses and tastebuds and you cannot but help calling it  a breakfast for the soul! Enjoy 🙂

Poha

• Servings: 4-6
• Time: 30 mins
• Difficulty: medium
• Print

A delicious breakfast or snack with your evening tea based on Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 5 cups soaked beaten or flattened rice (Aval)
• 1/2 red onion  finely cut
• 3 -4 green chillies
• 2 medium sized potatoes
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2  cup or handful of peanuts
• 1/2  cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1/2 a lemon (juice squeezed)
• 3 -4 curry leaves
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• 3 tbsp oil

Directions

1. Wash the beaten rice in a colander and make sure it is soft and not too soggy
2. Heat 3 tbsp oil and splutter mustard and cumin
3. Add roasted peanuts and stir
4. Add onions and green chillies and sautée
5. Add turmeric powder and salt
6. Next add the diced potatoes and sautée
7. Lower the heat and cover with a lid to make sure the potatoes are cooked half way
8. Next add the soaked beaten rice and mix thoroughly
9. Add the lemon juice
10. Cover with the lid again for 5 minutes to make sure it steams well
11. Add the chopped coriander leaves and curry leaves and mix well.
12. Poha is read to be served.
13. Serve it with a sliced lemon, crispy fried lentils( bujhiya)
14. Enjoy it with a cup of tea!

Poha with a cup of tea!

Poha – delicious breakfast with potatoes, peanuts and lime

poha – close up

Poha – Indian breakfast