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Discover how to prepare a Simple Poha Recipe at home in just 15 minutes! A healthy, flavorful, and easy Indian breakfast made with flattened rice and basic spices.
Introduction:
Poha, also known as flattened rice, is one of the most loved breakfasts in Indian homes. It’s light, quick to make, and needs only a handful of ingredients. This Simple Poha Recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you want something filling yet healthy. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or an expert, this dish will never fail you!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2)
1 cup thick poha (flattened rice)
1 onion – finely chopped
1 potato – peeled and diced
1 green chili – chopped
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
6–7 curry leaves
2 tsp oil (use any light cooking oil)
Salt – as per taste
1 tbsp roasted peanuts (optional)
Chopped fresh coriander
1 tsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Poha
Put the poha in a strainer and rinse under running water for 10–15 seconds.
Let it rest for 2–3 minutes. The poha will soak up water and soften.
Gently fluff with a fork and keep aside.
Step 2: Make the Flavourful Tempering
Take a pan and heat 2 teaspoons of oil on medium heat.
Once hot, add mustard seeds. As they begin to crackle, add a few fresh curry leaves and finely chopped green chilies.
Let it sizzle for a few seconds until you smell the fresh and spicy aroma. This tempering gives the poha its special flavour.
Step 3: Cook Onions and Potatoes
Place the finely chopped onions in the heated pan and sauté over medium heat.
Keep stirring until they turn soft and slightly golden in color.
Now add the diced potatoes and mix well. Let them cook until soft, stirring in between so they don’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Add Spices and Flattened Rice
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and stir gently to blend it with the cooked veggies.
Slowly add the soaked poha into the pan, making sure it stays fluffy and doesn’t break.
Season with salt as per taste and lightly toss everything so the poha gets an even yellow color without breaking.
Step 5: Cook for a Few Minutes
Let the poha cook for 2–3 minutes on low flame.
Add roasted peanuts if you like crunch.
Squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve warm with hot tea or buttermilk. For extra taste, you can top it with sev, grated coconut, or pomegranate seeds.
💡 Helpful Tips for Perfect Poha
✅ Use only thick poha – It stays firm while cooking, unlike thin poha which becomes soggy very quickly.
✅ Avoid soaking too long – Just rinse under water and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to soften.
✅ Boost nutrition – Add chopped veggies like green peas, carrots, or capsicum for extra flavor and health.
✅ Add crunch – Roasted peanuts give a crispy texture and enhance the taste, so don’t skip them if you like a bit of crunch!
🔄 Variations You Can Try
Kanda Poha: Skip the potatoes and add more onions.
Batata Poha: Skip onions, use only potatoes.
Veggie Poha: Add chopped carrots, green beans, or corn for a colorful twist.
🧠 Why This Recipe Works
✅ Simple Ingredients – Available in every Indian kitchen
✅ Quick Cooking – Ready in under 15 minutes
✅ No Fancy Tools – Just a pan and a spoon
✅ Kid-Friendly – Mild and tasty
✅ Perfect for Beginners – Easy to follow