Easy Poha Recipe for You to Try

Poha is a traditional and popular morning dish in the western states of India, much like how Idli and Upma are traditional breakfast dishes of Southern India. Since this recipe frequently includes chopped potato chunks, it is also known as Aloo Pohe and Batata Poha in Gujarat and Maharashtra, respectively. This Poha recipe will make preparing this dish quite easy for you. Popular in Maharashtra, poha can be counted upon as a simple, delectable, and healthy breakfast meal.

Poha Ingredients

1. 2 cups thick Poha (rice flakes)
2. ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
3. ½ cup potato (peeled and finely chopped 
4. 1/3 teaspoon mustard seeds
5. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
6. 8-10 curry leaves
7. 1 finely chopped green chili
8. 1 pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
9. 1½ tbsp peanuts 
10. 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
11. 1½ tsp lemon juice
12. 1/2 tbsp sugar
13. 1 tbsp grated coconut, optional
14. Salt to taste
15. 2 tablespoons oil
16. 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves

Method

Step 1: Put poha through a big strainer.

Step 2: Wash it 1-2 times under running water by gently swifting them with your fingertips. Through a strainer, remove any extra water. Sprinkle it with salt and sugar, mix/toss it well, and set it aside.

Step 3: Heat two teaspoons of oil in a pan. After adding the mustard seeds, add the cumin seeds, green chilies, curry leaves, peanuts, and a dash of asafoetida after they begin to sputter. It should take about 30 to 40 seconds for them to sizzle until the chilies become crisp.

Step 4: Onions should be sautéed till transparent after being added in chopped form.

Step 5: Add salt and sliced potatoes (add salt only for potatoes). Mix together and boil potatoes covered until they are soft. It will take about three to four minutes. To avoid sticking, stir occasionally between each batch.

Step 5: Add turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly and cook for one minute.

Step 6: Pour in the poha that has been soaked. Mix well.

Step 7:  Cook for around 2-3 minutes. Combine the lemon juice, dry grated coconut, and finely chopped coriander leaves in a mixing bowl.

Step 8: Turn off the heat and thoroughly combine the ingredients. The poha is ready to serve.

Tips to Enhance the Taste

1. Poha should not be soaked in water. Simply gently wash them under running water and set them in a strainer to drain excess water.
2. To add some variety, garnish the poha with 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds and sev.
3. If you don’t have a strainer, simply sprinkle rice flakes with a small splash of water and let them soak. Don’t use too much water. Poha should be damp but not wet after soaking.
4. In a sieve, rinse the poha until it becomes soft. Take a flake and press it between your thumb and index finger to see whether it’s done. It should be easy to break.

Serving Ideas

Poha is best when eaten with tea for breakfast. It is also a wonderful light yet filling snack to carry in a lunch box. You may serve it with chai or coffee for a fantastic breakfast or brunch alternative. You can also serve it with sambar and/or chutney, much as in restaurants.

Nutritional Content in Poha

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What’s the problem with my mushy poha?

Oversoaking or rinsing can turn the flattened rice mushy. It is also critical to use the proper variety (thick).

Q2. How should the poha be kept?

Poha is best eaten fresh but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Even when stored airtight, it tends to dry out, so reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the moisture.

Q3. What other vegetables can be included in the poha?

This dish can include carrots and corn in addition to potatoes and green peas.

Q4. Is poha healthy?

Poha contains a lot of carbs, iron, fibre, antioxidants, and some essential vitamins. Poha is a famous Indian breakfast cooked from beaten rice that varies depending on where you live.

Q5. Is poha hard to digest?

Poha is very easy to digest and light on the stomach. As a result, it can be eaten as the first meal of the day or as a light evening meal. Poha never causes bloating and keeps you fuller for longer.

Q6. Is there protein in poha?

Poha has very little protein on its own but when cooked traditionally, it is fortified with protein from peanuts, boosting its nutritional value.

Q7. Can diabetics eat poha?

Yes. Poha is high in fibre and helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable without causing sudden spikes.