Poha: Indian Flattened Rice Stir-Fry with Potatoes and Spices Recipe

Introduction

Poha is a light and flavorful Indian breakfast dish made with flattened rice, spices, and fresh ingredients. Its simple preparation and delightful taste make it a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal any time of the day.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups Poha (flattened rice), medium or thick
• 2 tablespoons Oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons Peanuts (raw), optional
• 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Rai), optional
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera), optional
• 10-12 Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
• 2 Green Chilies, diced (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 cup Onions, diced
• 3/4 cup Potato, diced into 1/2-1 cm pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Turmeric (Haldi powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Cilantro leaves (Coriander), chopped

Optional garnishes:

• Sev or Bhujia, as needed
• Pomegranate seeds, as needed
• Freshly grated Coconut

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the poha in a strainer under running water and let it sit to soften for a few minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the peanuts and roast them until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
4. Step 4: Add the diced green chilies and onions. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent.
5. Step 5: Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender. Sprinkle turmeric, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the soaked poha and roasted peanuts. Stir carefully to combine without breaking the poha.
7. Step 7: Cover the pan and steam the mixture on low flame for 2 minutes.
8. Step 8: Turn off the heat. Squeeze lime juice over the poha and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Garnish with sev, pomegranate seeds, or freshly grated coconut if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use medium or thick poha for a fluffier texture; thin poha may become mushy.
• Add grated ginger for an extra zing in flavor.
• For a vegan option, ensure the garnishes like sev do not contain dairy.
• Substitute potatoes with green peas or carrots for variety.
• Adjust green chilies to control the heat level to your preference.

Storage

Store cooked poha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture. It is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick-cooking or thin poha instead of medium or thick?

Thin poha tends to become mushy when cooked, so medium or thick poha is recommended to maintain a nice texture.

Can I prepare poha in advance?

While poha can be stored and reheated, it is best eaten fresh. If you need to prepare in advance, slightly undercook the potatoes and combine just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Poha: Indian Flattened Rice Stir-Fry with Potatoes and Spices Recipe

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5 from 123 reviews

Poha is a light and flavorful Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice cooked with onions, potatoes, peanuts, and aromatic spices. This quick recipe combines the crunch of roasted peanuts and the tanginess of lime juice, creating a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any time of the day.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2.5 cups Poha (flattened rice), medium or thick
• 2 tablespoons Oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons Peanuts (raw, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (Rai, optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera, optional)
• 10–12 Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
• 2 Green Chilies, diced (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 cup Onions, diced
• 3/4 cup Potatoes, diced into 1/2–1 centimeter pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Turmeric (Haldi powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon Sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
• 1 tablespoon Cilantro leaves (Coriander), chopped

Garnishes (optional)

• Sev or Bhujia, as needed
• Pomegranate Seeds, as needed
• Freshly Grated Coconut

Instructions

1. Soften the Poha: Rinse the poha in a strainer under running water thoroughly and then let it sit to absorb moisture and soften for a few minutes. This ensures the poha becomes tender and fluffy when cooked.
2. Roast the Peanuts: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the raw peanuts and roast them until they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma, then remove them from the pan and set aside. Roasting enhances their crunch and flavor.
3. Temper the Spices: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Allow the mustard seeds to crackle and the spices to release their flavors for a few seconds.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced green chilies and onions to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, which builds the base flavor for the dish.
5. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pan and cook until they are tender and cooked through. Sprinkle turmeric powder, salt, and sugar over the potatoes to season them well.
6. Combine Poha and Peanuts: Gently add the softened poha and roasted peanuts into the pan. Stir carefully to mix everything together without breaking the delicate poha flakes.
7. Steam and Finish: Cover the pan with a lid and steam the mixture on low flame for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the poha to heat evenly.
8. Add Final Touches: Turn off the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the poha and sprinkle chopped cilantro leaves on top. Garnish with sev, pomegranate seeds, or freshly grated coconut according to preference before serving.

Notes

• Adjust green chili quantity based on spice tolerance.
• Do not over-soak poha; it should be moist but not soggy.
• Potatoes can be replaced with peas or carrots for variation.
• Sev garnish adds a crunchy texture contrast but is optional.
• Lime juice added at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.

Keywords: Poha recipe, Indian breakfast, flattened rice dish, easy poha, healthy Indian breakfast