Chuda Bhaja
A quick Bihar-style poha stir-fry with onions, green chili, peanuts, and a squeeze of lemon. Light, savory, and gently crisp, it makes an easy breakfast or snack that comes together in minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Rinse the poha and set it aside.
Place the poha in a colander, rinse it quickly under water, and let it drain for 5 minutes. The flakes should soften but still hold their shape.
TIPDo not soak the poha in water or it will turn mushy in the pan. - saute · ~6 min
Cook the peanuts and onions.
1.Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.2.Add peanuts and cook until lightly golden and crisp, about 2 minutes.3.Add onion, green chili, and curry leaves.4.Cook until the onion turns soft and lightly translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. - mix · ~3 min
Season and add the poha.
1.Add turmeric powder, salt, and sugar to the pan and mix well.2.Add the drained poha.3.Toss gently until the poha is evenly coated with the onion mixture.4.Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently so the flakes do not break.TIPUse a light hand while mixing so the poha stays fluffy instead of packed down. - garnish
Finish with lemon juice and coriander leaves.
Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the lemon juice and coriander leaves, and toss once more.
- serve
Serve the chuda bhaja warm.
What to keep in mind.
8 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use thick poha only; thin poha softens too fast and can turn pasty in this quick stir-fry.
- 2After rinsing, rest the poha for a full 5 minutes so the flakes soften evenly before hitting the pan.
- 3Fry the peanuts first until crisp, then remove them briefly if you want them to stay extra crunchy.
- 4Cook the onions only until translucent, not deeply browned, so the dish keeps its light Bihari breakfast character.
- 5Add lemon juice only after switching off the heat to keep its fresh brightness and avoid bitterness.
- 6Stir with a flat spatula and lift-fold the poha gently so the flakes stay fluffy and separate.
- 7If the poha seems dry after draining, sprinkle a teaspoon or two of water before tossing rather than adding more oil.
- 8Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated on low heat with a few drops of water to loosen the flakes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Dry-roast the peanuts separately and use less oil for the tempering; you keep the crunch and light texture with a leaner finish.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add roasted chana dal or more peanuts for a heartier breakfast with extra bite and staying power.
no peanutNo-peanut
Skip peanuts and use roasted cashews or just more curry leaves if you need a peanut-free version.
spicierSpicier
Increase green chili or add a pinch of red chili powder for a hotter, sharper snack-style version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Light Yet Satisfying
Poha makes a gentle, easy-to-eat base, while peanuts and onions help the dish feel filling without being too heavy.
Healthy Fats and Crunch
Peanuts contribute beneficial fats and a satisfying crunch that makes this simple poha more nourishing.
Fresh Herbs and Citrus
Lemon juice, green chili, curry leaves, and coriander add freshness and plant compounds along with bright flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Usually the poha was soaked too long or too much force was used while mixing. Rinse briefly, drain well, and fold it gently in the pan.
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