Poha

This is a traditional Indian recipe from the state of Maharashtra. I add a lot of vegetables to it and it gives a great start to your day as a breakfast. This recipe will serve 2-4 people.


Ingredients:

• 2 cups thick poha ( beaten rice flakes)
• 1/2 teaspoon rai ( mustard seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)
• Pinch of hing ( asafoetida)
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1 green chilly
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/4 cup finely chopped beans
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 lemon freshly squeezed
• 2-4 tablespoons fresh chopped coriander for garnish
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• 2-4 tablespoon oil for cooking

Method:

• Place the poha in a sieve and hold it under running water for a few seconds. Toss well to drain out all excess water and keep aside.  
• Heat the oil in a non-stick pan and add asafoetida, mustard seeds and cumin seeds. 
• When seeds crackle, add curry leaves, green chilly and onions. Saute till onions turn light brown.
• Next add carrots, beans, peas and turmeric powder - cover and cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes till they are soft and cooked. Add few tablespoons of water to the vegetables while cooking if they look too dry.
• Now add peanuts, poha and salt to taste. Saute and mix gently to ensure the poha does not break and become mushy.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons water to the poha and cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes on low flame.
• Then add juice of one lemon and mix well. Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves.