Kanda Poha
A classic Maharashtrian breakfast of flattened rice cooked with onions, peanuts, and a light tempering. It's savory, slightly sweet, and tangy, ready in just 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Place the poha in a strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds.
- b.Drain all the water completely. The poha should be moist but not sitting in water.
- c.Add salt, sugar, and turmeric powder to the wet poha. Gently toss with a spoon or your fingers to combine.
- d.Set aside for 5-10 minutes to soften.
TIPDo not soak the poha, just rinse it. Soaking will make it mushy. - 2
Step 2
- a.Heat oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- b.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and raw peanuts. Sauté for about a minute until the peanuts are lightly browned and crunchy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add the slit green chilies and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- b.Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
TIPCook the onions until they are soft, but not browned, to maintain the authentic sweet flavor. - 4
Step 4
- 5
Step 5
- 6
Step 6
- 7
Step 7
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use thick poha (jada poha) for this recipe. Thin poha will turn mushy.
- 2Rinse the poha just before you start cooking to ensure it stays fluffy.
- 3Fluff the poha with a fork after steaming to separate the flakes.
- 4For a classic touch, top with fine sev (crispy chickpea noodles) before serving.
- 5Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to your personal preference for the perfect sweet and tangy balance.
- 6You can roast the peanuts separately and add them at the end for extra crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Jain
Omit the onions completely. You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering for flavor.
healthyHealthy
Add 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables like green peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers along with the onions for added nutrition.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/4 cup of steamed sprouted moong dal along with the poha to boost the protein content.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Skip the green chilies to make it non-spicy. You can add a small boiled and cubed potato for a texture kids love.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Carbohydrates
Flattened rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy to start your day.
Easily Digestible
Poha is light on the stomach and easy to digest, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or a light snack.
Rich in Iron
The process of making flattened rice involves passing it through iron rollers, which fortifies it with iron. Adding lemon juice helps in the absorption of this iron.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kanda Poha is considered a healthy breakfast. It's light on the stomach, rich in carbohydrates for energy, and easily digestible. The peanuts add some protein and healthy fats. To make it healthier, use minimal oil and add more vegetables.