Poha

Poha Recipe: Poha is a delicious and popular Indian breakfast dish made with flattened rice flakes. It's quick to prepare and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Here's a simple recipe to prepare Poha:

Ingredients:

1 cup poha (flattened rice)

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small potato, diced into small pieces

1/4 cup frozen peas (you can also use fresh peas)

2-3 tablespoons oil

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)

1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Rinse the poha in a colander under running water for a few seconds. Gently stir and drain the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow it to soften. Be careful not to soak it for too long, as it might turn mushy.

In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Allow them to splutter.

Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

Now, add the diced potatoes and cook until they are tender. You can add a little water and cover the pan to speed up the cooking process.

Once the potatoes are cooked, add the peas and green chilies. Cook for a few more minutes until the peas are tender.

Add the turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.

Now, add the soaked poha to the pan and gently combine it with the other ingredients. Be careful not to break the poha.

Cook for a few more minutes until the poha is heated through and well-mixed with the spices.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side (if desired) for a tangy flavor.

Benefits of Poha:

Poha is a nutritious and light breakfast option. Some benefits of consuming Poha include:

Rich in Carbohydrates: It provides a good source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content, making it an excellent breakfast option to kickstart your day.

Low in Calories: Poha is low in calories, making it suitable for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Easy to Digest: The flattened rice flakes are easy to digest, making it a suitable meal for people of all ages.

Rich in Iron: Poha contains iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood and preventing anemia.

Gluten-Free: Poha is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

When to Eat Poha: Poha is commonly eaten for breakfast in India. It's a light and quick dish that provides energy for the day ahead. However, there are no strict rules, and you can enjoy Poha as a light meal or snack at any time of the day.

Dos and Don'ts:

Dos:

Rinse the poha gently under water and do not soak it for too long to avoid it turning mushy.

Customize the recipe with your preferred vegetables and spices to suit your taste.

Serve Poha fresh and hot for the best taste and texture.

Don'ts:

Avoid using too much oil while cooking. Poha tastes best when it's not too greasy.

Do not overcook the poha as it may lose its texture and become sticky.

If you are adding peanuts, ensure they are not burnt while frying as it can impart a bitter taste.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Poha!