POHA (Thick rice flakes)

 

Ingredients:

1. Thick Poha (2 cups)

2. 2 potatoes (dice)

3. 1 red onion (chop finely)

4. 2 tomatoes  (dice)

5. 5-6 fresh curry leaves

6. 1-2 thai green chilies (optional)

8. 1/2 teaspoon sugar 

9. 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds 

10. 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

11. 1/2 tsp turmeric 

12. 1/2 tsp red chili powder 

13. 1 tsp salt (adjust accordingly)

14. Fresh coriander leaves and 1/2 red onion, chopped, lemon juice to garnish 

15. 1/2 cup cooking oil 

16. 1/2 cup raw peanuts (optional)

Method:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a wide and thick bottom pan on medium heat. 

2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. As it splatters add curry leaves and then peanuts. 

3. As the peanuts begin to roast add the potatoes and keep frying them constantly so they do not stick to the bottom. 

4. When the potatoes begin to brown add the red onions and fry until the onions begin to brown. Keep heat medium to low. 

5. Wash the thick poha generously in a colander so no water stays in it. It needs to be wet but almost dry as close to cooking time as possible. If it stays in water too long it will clump and become mush. 

6.  Add the poha, tomatoes, the rest of the spices and mix gently with a wide spoon. If it is too dry add a splash of water until all the poha is well covered with the spices. 

7. Splash some more water and cover the pan for it to cook fully in the steam. Do not overcook or it will burn. 

8. Garnish and serve hot. 

9. Poha is a favorite food as a breakfast or a snack or in between meals. It is light and healthy. 

10. Feel free to add other vegetables if you want them to be healthier like peas, carrots, corn, or beans. 

Do let me know how it turned out for you and share my blog with others who love Indian home-cooked meals.