Simple Vegetable Poha
A light and fluffy breakfast classic from Western India. Flattened rice is quickly tossed with tender vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and a fragrant tempering of spices. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's a wholesome and delicious start to any day.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
TIPUsing thick poha prevents it from turning mushy. A quick rinse is enough to soften it. - 2
Step 2
- 3
Step 3
- a.Heat oil in the same pan over medium heat.
- b.Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to crackle.
- c.Add the cumin seeds, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPLetting the mustard seeds splutter fully is key to releasing their flavor. - 4
Step 4
- a.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent.
- b.Add the diced potato and carrot. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water over them.
- c.Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add the frozen green peas and turmeric powder to the pan. Mix well and cook for one minute.
- b.Now, add the rested poha to the pan with the vegetables.
- 6
Step 6
- 7
Step 7
TIPAdding lemon juice after turning off the heat preserves its fresh, tangy flavor.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use thick poha (jada poha) for the best fluffy, non-sticky texture. Thin poha can become mushy.
- 2Rinse the poha just before you start cooking the vegetables to ensure it's perfectly softened.
- 3Dice the potatoes and carrots very finely so they cook quickly and evenly.
- 4A pinch of sugar is traditional and helps to balance the tangy and savory flavors.
- 5For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering.
- 6Serve poha hot, garnished with sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for added crunch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Jain
To make a Jain version, omit the onion and potato. You can use finely chopped raw banana as a substitute for potato.
high proteinHigh protein
For a protein boost, add 1/2 cup of sprouted moong beans or crumbled paneer along with the vegetables.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Skip the green chilies to make it non-spicy. You can add some grated fresh coconut at the end for a slightly sweet taste that kids love.
quickQuick
To make it even faster, you can use pre-cut frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Carbohydrates
Flattened rice is rich in healthy carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy to start your day.
Easy to Digest
Poha is very 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 poha involves passing it through iron rollers, which fortifies it with iron. This helps in preventing iron deficiency.
Packed with Fiber
The addition of various vegetables increases the fiber content, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Vegetable Poha is considered a very healthy breakfast. It's light, low in fat, and provides a good balance of carbohydrates for energy and fiber from the vegetables. It's also easy to digest.