poha recipe with step by step photos

masala poha

About poha recipe

Parboiled rice (rice that is partially boiled) and flattened to make poha is a highly cherished dish in India. Primarily, poha is widely consumed as a breakfast item in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. However, deciding what to prepare for breakfast can sometimes be a challenge. When it comes to nutrition, nothing beats poha, as it is quick to prepare and fulfills the body’s essential nutrient requirements.

Most poha recipes are typically made in two ways: Kanda Poha and Masala Poha. Both recipes are simple and easy. The only difference is that Kanda Poha primarily uses onions (kanda), while Masala Poha allows for the addition of various vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, peas, curry leaves, bell peppers, potatoes, and even carrots, especially in the winter season.

This type of poha can be served to children as breakfast to ensure they do not lack any essential nutrients. Besides Masala Poha, poha can also be used to create a variety of dishes, such as Poha Kheer, Poha Chivda, Poha Cutlets, and Poha Jalebi, among others.

Subtitle

About poha recipe

Ingredients

How to make masala poha

Tips AND FAQ

Variations

Ingredients

Oil – 1 1/2 large vegetable spoon

Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon

Onions – 2 medium-sized

Tomatoes – 2 medium-sized

Potato – 1 medium-sized

Capsicum – 1 finely chopped

Carrot – 1 finely chopped

Green peas – 100 grams

Green chilies – 2 finely chopped

Curry leaves – 8-10 leaves

Coriander leaves – for garnishing

Salt – as per taste

Red chili powder – 1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons

Turmeric – 1/2 teaspoon

Poha masala – 1 teaspoon

Lemon – 1, cut into slices

How to make masala poha

To make Masala Poha, first, we heat oil in a non-stick pan. Once the oil is hot, we add mustard seeds and let them crackle. After the mustard seeds crackle, we add curry leaves, followed by chopped onions, and sauté for 2 minutes.

Next, we add potatoes, green peas, capsicum, carrots, and green chilies to the pan. Mix all the vegetables well using a spatula. Cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables cook for 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, rinse the poha thoroughly with clean water and drain it using a sieve.

After 10-15 minutes, remove the lid from the pan. Add chopped tomatoes and spices—salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and poha masala powder. Mix everything well. Then, add the drained poha to the pan and mix gently using a spatula to ensure all ingredients are combined evenly.

Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for another 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the poha is cooked perfectly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over it, sprinkle coriander leaves, and mix everything once again.

Your hot and flavorful Masala Poha is ready! Serve it with fried peanuts, sev, or a side of yogurt.

Tips

Before preparing poha, always rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any dirt or small stones that could spoil the taste.

If you prefer a tangier or spicier flavor, you can adjust the quantity of green chilies and lemon juice according to your taste.

While purchasing poha from the market, make sure to check its quality and the packing date.

If desired, you can substitute fried peanuts with roasted peanuts for a healthier option.

FAQ

Is it necessary to add poha masala while making poha?

It is not mandatory to add poha masala while preparing poha. However, when it comes to enhancing the flavor, adding poha masala can make a significant difference. It elevates the taste and makes the poha much more delicious. 

Variations

How to make kanda poha

To make Kanda Poha, first, take a non-stick pan and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. After the mustard seeds crackle, add curry leaves, followed by chopped onions. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes while mixing them well with a spatula.

Next, add salt, turmeric, and poha masala to the pan. Then, add the rinsed poha to the pan and mix everything gently. Cook the poha on low heat for 3-4 minutes. After that, squeeze some lemon juice and add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Mix well. You can adjust the quantity of sugar as per your taste.

Your Kanda Poha is ready! Garnish it with chopped coriander leaves and roasted or fried peanuts. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips

Adding lemon juice to poha helps make it fluffy and prevents it from clumping together. Additionally, it enhances the flavor of Kanda Poha, giving it a perfect tangy-sweet taste that makes the dish even more delightful.

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