Jain Poha
A light and savory breakfast made with flattened rice, peas, and peanuts, all without onion or garlic. This classic Western Indian dish is adapted for a Jain diet, offering a tangy, wholesome start to your day in just 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the poha
Place the thick poha in a strainer. Rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds until it softens. Do not over-soak. Let it drain completely. Add the salt, sugar, turmeric powder, and dried ginger powder to the drained poha and mix gently with a fork. Set aside.
TIPUsing a fork to mix the spices into the poha keeps the flakes from breaking or getting mushy.Make the tempering
- Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the raw peanuts and roast for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and crunchy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same oil, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, chopped green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPRoasting the peanuts separately ensures they stay crunchy and don't get soft when cooked with other ingredients.Cook the peas
Add the green peas to the pan. Sprinkle a little water, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
Combine and steam the poha
Add the seasoned poha to the pan. Mix everything gently until the poha is well-coated with the spices. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the poha to steam and absorb the flavors.
Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Add the roasted peanuts, fresh lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves. Give it a final gentle mix.
Serve immediately
Serve the Jain Poha hot, as a light breakfast or snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use thick poha for this recipe. Thin poha will turn mushy when rinsed.
- 2Rinse the poha just before you start cooking to ensure it stays fluffy.
- 3For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of grated fresh coconut along with the coriander.
- 4Adjust the green chili and sugar to your personal preference for spice and sweetness.
- 5If your poha seems too dry after steaming, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water, cover, and steam for another minute.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Jain Poha is a healthy breakfast option. It is light, low in fat, and easily digestible. The flattened rice provides carbohydrates for energy, and it's a good source of iron. Since it's made without root vegetables, it's also lower in certain starches.
