Poha is a popular and nutritious Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice. It's not only delicious but also quite healthy when prepared with the right ingredients. It is known for its quick cooking time, which makes it a convenient ingredient for breakfast or snacks. It absorbs flavors well and can be customized with various vegetables, spices, and seasonings to create a range of savory and sweet dishes.
Here's a recipe for a healthy and flavorful Poha breakfast:
Ingredients:
- - 1 cup thick or medium Poha (flattened rice)
- - 1 small onion, finely chopped
- - 1 small potato, diced into small pieces
- - 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- - 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- - 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- - 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- - A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- - 8-10 curry leaves
- - 1-2 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard oil for authentic flavor)
- - Salt to taste
- - Juice of 1 lemon
- - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
- - Roasted peanuts or cashews for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse and Prepare Poha:
- Take the Poha in a sieve or colander and rinse it thoroughly under running water.
- Gently toss the Poha while rinsing, but be careful not to break it.
- Let it sit in the colander for about 10 minutes to allow excess water to drain.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a bowl, mix turmeric powder, red chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt with the rinsed Poha. Gently toss to coat the it evenly, and set it aside.
- Heat the oil in a pan or a kadai over medium heat.
3. Temper the Spices:
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil.
- Once the seeds start to crackle, add asafoetida (hing), chopped green chilies, and curry leaves.
- Sauté for a minute until the chilies become slightly tender.
4. Add Vegetables:
- Add the diced potatoes to the pan.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the potatoes begin to soften.
- If using frozen peas, add them now and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the peas thaw and become tender.
- If using fresh peas, you may need to cook them separately or add them with a splash of water and cook until they are soft.
5. Incorporate Poha:
- Once the potatoes and peas are cooked, add the seasoned Poha to the pan.
- Gently mix everything together, ensuring the turmeric and spices coat the Poha evenly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the Poha is heated through and the flavors meld.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the Poha and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the Poha and mix well. The lemon juice adds a fresh and tangy flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Poha with chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts or cashews if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of plain yogurt or a cup of hot tea or coffee.
This healthy Poha recipe is a wonderful breakfast option that's rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and a variety of nutrients. It's not only satisfying but also a great way to start your day with a nutritious meal.
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