Poha
Light flattened-rice breakfast tossed with onion, peanuts and lime.
Origin & Story
Poha is the quintessential quick breakfast of central and western India, especially Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, sold everywhere from home kitchens to morning stalls.
Main Spices & Their Role
Mustard seeds
Popped in oil for the classic tempering.
Turmeric
Tints the flattened rice yellow.
Curry leaves
Add a fragrant, savoury lift.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flattened rice (poha)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- Handful peanuts
- 8 curry leaves
- 1 green chilli
- 2 tbsp oil
- Lime & coriander
Method
- 01
Rinse the poha briefly and drain; it should be soft, not soggy.
- 02
Heat oil and pop mustard seeds with peanuts, curry leaves and chilli.
- 03
Add onion and cook until soft, then turmeric and salt.
- 04
Fold in the poha gently and warm through.
- 05
Finish with lime juice and coriander.
Veg & Vegan Alternatives
Vegetarian
This dish is already vegetarian.
Vegan
Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.