Poha

Poha is a quick Indian Breakfast. Different regions of India makes this dish differently. It's made with flattened rice. The process of making flattened rice is interesting one. The rice from paddy is de-husked then par-boiled and then pounded to flakes. This processing makes it a quick cooking rice flake. It's super delicious and nutritious. You can add any veggies or tofu etc on hand. I sometimes just wash poha and mix it with milk & sugar and eat it. Don't even need to cook. It's that amazing. There are three varieties of poha, Thick, Thin, Medium. When buying poha for this recipe choose thick or medium poha. Don't buy thin poha, it's used for making dry snacks. Here's a recipe for simple poha brekkie you can make if you only have 15 min. 

POHA RECIPE

Serves 3

Ingredients - 

1 tbsp ghee/ coconut oil/ olive oil

1 Cup Medium Poha

1 Small onion chopped finely

1/4 cup peas (I used frozen)

Handful of toasted nuts (I have used almonds here, but peanuts taste the best)

1 tsp Cumin or Mustard seeds 

1/2 Tsp Turmeric powder or Turmeric Blend

1 Tsp Salt

1/2 Tsp Sugar 

1 tsp lemon/lime juice (squeeze fresh)

Optional - Desiccated coconut or coriander leaves for garnish

Method

1. Wash poha in water, strain & keep aside. Poha goes very soft if you keep it in water too long so straining is advised. 

2. In a pan on medium heat add oil, once hot add cumin/mustard seeds. Wait till they crackle. 

3. Now add chopped onion, fry until soft followed by turmeric. Give it a quick mix then add salt and sugar. 

4. Now add frozen peas, give it a mix, and then add the toasted nuts. Mix again and now add washed poha. 

5. Give it all a good stir and cook it only for 2-3 min. You basically are just mixing the flavours well not cooking the poha too much. Sprinkle some water & mix if poha gets caught on the pan.

6. Finish the dish with squeeze of lemon or lime juice and sprinkle of desiccated coconut or chopped coriander.

Serve with chai or coffee.