Poha (Flattened Rice) is a standard breakfast in Malvaa region (surrounding Indore) of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is in a way, easy to prepare and a convenience food. The dish is so appealing for a perfect breakfast to start the day with. Poha is best for kids too as it is easily digestible, and packed with all nutrients and flavours. In Indore, poha is usually served with sev, which is a spicy and crispy mixture. Jalebi is often eaten with poha.
In India, the same flattened rice can vary enough to make a noticeable difference to the sophisticated palate depending upon the location. In South India, the dish is called by different names, and made with a little variation mostly without vegetables and topped with grated coconut with slit green chillies added to it.
In India, the same flattened rice can vary enough to make a noticeable difference to the sophisticated palate depending upon the location. In South India, the dish is called by different names, and made with a little variation mostly without vegetables and topped with grated coconut with slit green chillies added to it.
Ingredients:
1. Flattened rice - 1 cup (thick)
2. Potato - 1 no.
3. Fresh/frozen green peas - 1/4 cup
4. Onion - 1 no.
5. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp.
6. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp.
7. Green Chillies - 2 nos.
8. Chilly powder - 1/2 tsp.
9. Turmeric - 1/2 tsp.
10. Sugar - 1 tbsp.
11. Coriander leaves - handful
12. Kasoori Methi - 1 tsp. (optional)
13. Fennel seeds - 1 tsp.
12. Oil - 1 to 2 tsp.
13. Salt to Taste
Cooking Method:
1. Clean the flattened rice in cold water. Soak this in hot water for few minutes and check the softness. Once its soft, drain any excess water. Keep it aside for 10 to 15 minutes until the grains separated and water is totally absorbed and becomes dry.
2. In the meanwhile chop the potatoes thinly. Chop onions and green chilies too finely.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan, and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Then add onions and saute this until it becomes little tender. Add potatoes and cover the pan with a lid until potatoes becomes tender and cooked. Once done add peas. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add turmeric powder and give it a stir.
5. To the flattened rice add salt, sugar, fennel seeds, chilly powder and pour this mixture into the pan. Stir it thoroughly and turn the heat to low. Add chopped green chilies now and close the pan with the lid.
6. Finally crush some kasoori methi for the flavour and add chopped coriander leaves.
7. Sprinkle some lemon juice and sev on top after serving to a plate, and enjoy and relish the vibrant hot poha.
Note:
1. Flattened Rice is usually of 3 kinds. One is very thin, and another thick and the last one is medium. The best to make poha is medium, but not available everywhere. The thicken version soaked in hot water, will make the dish perfect.
2. Green Chillies can be avoided if its served for kids.