Allow me to introduce you to Poha – a quirky name for a delicious Indian breakfast or snack. Poha actually refers to flattened rice. This is when I referred to Wikipedia for proper lay-man definition.
Flattened rice (also called beaten rice) is a dehusked rice which is flattened into flat light dry flakes. These flakes of rice swell when added to liquid, whether hot or cold, as they absorb water, milk or any other liquids.
A sweet, tangy, spicy, savory dish. You can easily alter the flavor profile according to your liking. Picture this – a cold, rainy morning with a plate of hot poha and a steaming cup of tea. Of course, it’s been days since Florida saw any rain. Nonetheless, weather should be your last excuse for not making this snack.
Vegetables used in this recipe are usually finely chopped. Another great reason to sneak in wholesome vegetables in your kids diet. I am not suggesting they wouldn’t nit-pick, just do what any parents should – finely chop the vegetables. Minutely.
Give samosas a break and try poha today. What’s your favorite delicacy for breakfast, snack or brunch? Any new favorite recipes after marriage?
Ingredients:
- 1 .5 cups of thick poha (flattened rice)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 7-8 curry leaves
- 2 small green chillies, chopped or slitted lengthwise
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 2 medium potatoes, sliced thin
- 3/4 cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup green beans, finely chopped
- 5-6 tbsp warm water
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Garnish: peanuts, pomegranate arils & chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Directions:
- Put thick poha in a sieve and wash under running water for 1-2 minutes. It is important to use thick instead of thin poha to avoid a mushy consistency. Keep aside to drain.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan on a medium flame. Once oil is heated, add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies. Fry till mustard seeds stop spluttering.
- Add onions, fry till soft and translucent. Throw in ginger paste. Fry till fragrant.
- Add vegetables in 3 minute intervals beginning potatoes, cauliflower and finally green beans. Shredded carrots are a great option too.
- Sprinkle in some turmeric powder, salt to taste and water. Cover too cook for 15 minutes.
- Once vegetables are cooked and soften, add poha and fry for a few more minutes till combined.
- Just before serving, add lemon juice and garnish.
Serve hot for breakfast or evening snack with some Chai









{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
fabulous poha, loved the color and idea of sneaking in the veggies for the kids. Its quite tedious to make as some just mash it up, but your poha is looking so good and lovely. I will try this version of urs on this weekend.
sonia recently posted..Spicy Lemonade with Garden Fresh Mint
Sonia,
Thank you so much. I hope you tried making this recipe last weekend. To avoid a mesh of everything, I suggest using thick poha. Enjoy
That looks simply amazing. Great job with your pictures.
CHS,
Thank you so much, try this recipe some day
This looks like a fantastic combination of ingredients. And great photos too! Thanks for sharing!
Miri Leigh recently posted..New Video! The Perfect Omelette
Miri,
Thanks honey, you are too kind
I thought I knew a thing or two about Indian cooking, Kiran, but poha is entirely new to me. Not for long, though! Many thanks to you and your mother-in-law for introducing us to this wonderful dish, which I hope to try soonest. Wish me luck in finding fresh curry leaves, always so hard to find where I live ….
Barbara @ Modern Comfort Food recently posted..Chocolate Chip Date Nut Cake
Barbara,
Best of luck in your quest for curry leaves. You can usually get it from Indian ethnic stores. They are available everywhere. A simple google where you live would definitely yield results. If not, let me know and I can courier it over to you
Indian cooking is vast! Poha is a snack dish and I never knew about it till after marriage, so you aren’t alone in this culinary adventure
Your lovely photos bring out the deliciousness of this dish.
QPC,
Give this “sedap” recipe a try.
Welcome to Recipebox, and thanks for the compliments