Poha
Embark on a culinary journey with Poha, a versatile and beloved Indian dish that combines flattened rice with an array of spices and aromatics. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect Poha at home. Elevate your breakfast or brunch with this quick, nutritious, and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups thick Poha (flattened rice)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Curry leaves
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Equipment:
- Strainer
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
Step 1: Preparing Poha
Washing Poha:
- Rinse the Poha under cold running water using a strainer. Be gentle to avoid breaking the grains. Allow it to soak for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
Draining Excess Water: 2. Drain any excess water from the soaked Poha and set aside.
Step 2: Cooking Poha
Tempering Spices: 3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Allow the seeds to splutter.
Sautéing Aromatics: 4. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and diced potatoes. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the potatoes are slightly golden.
Adding Peanuts and Green Peas: 5. Incorporate peanuts and green peas into the mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peanuts are lightly roasted.
Seasoning with Turmeric Powder: 6. Sprinkle turmeric powder over the mixture and mix well. This imparts a vibrant color to the Poha.
Integrating Poha: 7. Add the soaked and drained Poha to the pan. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the Poha is well-coated with the spices.
Steaming: 8. Cover the pan and let the Poha steam on low heat for 3-4 minutes. This helps enhance its fluffiness.
Garnishing: 9. Garnish the Poha with fresh coriander leaves. Mix well and turn off the heat.
Step 3: Serving and Enjoying
Lemon Squeeze: 10. Serve the Poha hot, accompanied by lemon wedges. Squeezing fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick.
Accompaniments: 11. Pair your Poha with a side of yogurt, green chutney, or pickles for a delightful balance of flavors.
Master the art of crafting the perfect Poha with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you're seeking a quick breakfast option or a flavorful brunch, Poha is sure to become a household favorite. Elevate your mornings with this nutritious and satisfying dish.
