Traditional Indian Poha Recipe (Flattened Rice Breakfast)

Poha is a popular Indian breakfast dish made with flattened rice, potatoes, peanuts, curry leaves, and aromatic spices. This quick, nutritious, and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy mornings and can be prepared in under an hour.

1. 1.5 cups (Poha) thick variety flattened rice easily found in Indian Grocery Store
2. 1 teaspoon sugar or as required
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (ground turmeric)
5. 2 tablespoons peanuts
6. 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
7. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
8. 1 whole potato big size or 2 potatoes small size chopped into square cubes
9. 1 teaspoon green chilies – finely chopped or 1 to 2 green chillies
10. 1 onion finely chopped
11. 8 to 9 curry leaves (medium to large sized)
12. 2 to 3 tablespoons coriander leaves – chopped (cilantro)

1. Take 1.5 cups of thick or medium-thick Poha (thick variety flattened rice) first. Rinse them in clean running water in a strainer or colander thrice. Rinsing in fresh clean water softens them as they absorb water. Make sure not to overdo the rinsing. This will make them mushy and pasty.
2. Dry roast 2 tablespoons peanuts in a heavy pan on medium-low heat until they become crunchy. Stir often for even cooking of the peanuts. The peanuts should be roasted well and must not have any rawness in them. Roast till they become crunchy and have a few blisters on their skins.
3. Peel 1 medium to large size potato and chop into small cubes. In the same heavy non stick pan, heat 2 to 2.5 tablespoons olive oil. Saute the potatoes in medium hot oil. Make sure to cut them in small cubes or else they will take more time to cook.
4. In the same pan, there will be some oil left. Add 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds to the hot oil. If there is no oil, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat it gently.
5. When the mustard seeds splutter, add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds.
6. When the cumin seeds splutter, add ⅓ cup finely chopped onions. Sauté the onions until they soften and become translucent.
7. Now, add 8 to 9 curry leaves (medium to large size), 1 teaspoon chopped green chilies and the roasted peanuts. Mix well on low heat.
8. Add the Poha (thick variety flattened rice).
9. Mix gently with the rest of the ingredients.
10. Add the potatoes and mix very well. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and steam the Poha(thick variety flattened rice) for about 2 minutes on low heat. Remove the lid and check the taste. If required, add more salt and sugar.
11. Garnish with 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped coriander.
12. Mix gently.
13. Your Poha (thick variety flattened rice) is now ready. Squeeze some lemon juice before eating your Poha (thick variety flattened rice).

Final Product