Poha Recipe

Poha is what a great many Indian kitchens wake up to. Flattened rice softens under running water in less than a minute, and the rest is a few spices in hot oil — which is why it is on the table in the time it takes to make chai. It is light enough to sit well before a morning of practice, and it is one of the dishes we cook on the Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition & Cooking course.

Ingredients

• Poha (flattened rice) — 1 cup
• Peanuts — 4 tbsp
• Sesame oil — 3 tbsp
• Onion, finely chopped — 1 medium
• Potato, chopped into small pieces — 1 medium
• Cumin seeds — ½ tsp
• Turmeric — ¼ tsp
• Cumin masala — ¼ tsp
• Kitchen King masala — ¼ tsp
• Green chilli — to taste
• Salt — to taste
• Lemon — ½, to serve

Preparation

• Rinse the poha flakes in clean running water in a big strainer.
• Do not rinse them too much, or they will break and turn mushy.
• While rinsing, the flakes absorb enough water and become soft.

Method

1. In a heavy kadhai, heat the oil. Sauté the peanuts until they are dark brown, then set them aside. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Add the potatoes. Sauté until lightly golden, stirring so they fry evenly on all sides.
3. Add the cumin seeds.
4. When the cumin begins to crackle, add the onions. Sauté until translucent and soft.
5. Add the salt.
6. Add the turmeric, cumin masala and Kitchen King masala.
7. Cook everything together for two to three minutes.
8. Add the roasted peanuts you set aside.
9. Add the green chillies and cook for a minute.
10. Add the poha, scattering it with your fingers as it goes in and stirring with a big spoon.
11. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let it steam for a few minutes.
12. Serve hot, with the lemon alongside — squeezed over the poha just before eating.

Conclusion

A filling dish of Poha is not just about having breakfast; it’s a healthy meal that goes along with the concept of balanced eating. Made from nutritious foods such as flattened rice, peanuts, potatoes, and flavorful spices, this recipe provides a healthy blend of taste and nutrition. For individuals who would like to learn more about the relationship between conventional recipes and holistic living, gaining some basic knowledge about Ayurvedic diet and nutrition will be quite helpful.

The Ayurvedic Diet, Nutrition & Cooking course by Aithein Healing teaches how to select ingredients, balance dishes according to Dosha type, and cook healthy food. Irrespective of whether you are an absolute beginner in Ayurveda or you are familiar with this system already, combining conventional recipes and Ayurvedic cooking principles will benefit you greatly.