Poha is a popular Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice, seasoned with mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Poha is often garnished with fresh coriander and served with lemon wedges, making it a flavorful and satisfying start to the day.
Step 1:
Rinse the Poha
Place 2 cups of poha (flattened rice) in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse under cold running water. Gently agitate with your hands to ensure all the poha grains are rinsed. Drain well and let it sit in the strainer for about 10 minutes to ensure it’s completely dry.
Step 2:
Prepare the Tempering
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Allow them to sizzle and crackle, which should take about 30 seconds.
Step 3:
Add Peanuts
Add 1/2 cup of peanuts to the pan. Sauté the peanuts for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly roasted and crunchy. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4:
Cook Onions and Chilies
Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 1-2 finely chopped green chilies to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5:
Add Curry Leaves and Spices
Toss in 1/4 cup of fresh curry leaves and stir them into the onion mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and mix well to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
Step 6:
Incorporate the Poha
Add the rinsed and drained poha to the pan. Gently fold the poha into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the spices and ingredients. Be careful not to break the poha grains.
Step 7:
Season and Cook
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar and salt to taste over the poha. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the poha to absorb the flavors and heat through.
Step 8:
Finish and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish the poha with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Mix gently to distribute the garnish.
Step 9:
Serve
Transfer the poha to serving plates. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for added tanginess. Enjoy as a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.
