Poha is an easy delicious Indian recipe prepared in almost every Indian state. However, the dish name may vary from place to place.
As in West Bengal, it is popularly known as ‘Chirer Polao’. Poha or flattened rice (Chira) is prepared with colorful veggies and nuts.
The dish not only looks appealing but is also a wholesome meal. Especially when you’re in a hurry, Poha is the savior.
Here are some of the nutritional points related to Poha Recipe:
- Chira or flattened rice is a good source of iron & carbohydrates, rich in fiber, a good source of antioxidants and essential vitamins.
- Being low in calories and gluten-free Poha or Chira is really a good option for those who are health conscious.
You can prepare this anytime you want.
Since the cooking time is not more than 15-20 mins, Poha is a nutritious choice for lunch boxes. Even this can be packed in kids tiffin boxes.
I personally prefer Poha in breakfast or as an evening snack along with Chai/Tea.
Poha can be cooked in many variations. Some include potatoes along with vegetables in this recipe.
Whereas others just keep it simple with veggies and dry fruits or nuts of owns choice.
Ingredients to prepare Poha recipe:
- Poha or Chira (Flattened rice) 200gm
- Mustard seeds, Curry leaves, Cumin seeds (optional- whatever is available you can use)
- Bay leaves, Green chilies 1-2 each
- Ghee or Vegetable oil 10gm
- Vegetables – Carrots 50gm, Beans 50gm, Onions 25gm
- Cashew nuts, Raisins, Peanuts 20gm each
- Salt, Sugar, Turmeric as needed
How to make Poha?
- Slice the onions and other veggies in any shape of your choice.
- Wash the Poha thoroughly and strain it.
- Take some ghee/vegetable oil in a kadhai or pan. Add bay leaves into it. (if you are using mustard seeds/curry leaves, add those in the ghee at this point)
- Add the sliced onions into the pan and fry it until light brown.
- Now, add the green chilies.
- After that pour in the veggies and turmeric. Fry those until soft and cooked properly. Stir the veggies often. Cook them covered so that the veggies can be cooked in their own moisture. No extra water is needed.
- Meanwhile, add salt in the veggies.
- After the veggies are cooked well, add soaked and drained poha. Also, add sugar at this stage.
- Mix the poha well with the veggies but carefully so that the poha or the flattened rice doesn’t break.
- Cook it for 2-3 mins. Finally, add the nuts & raisins and your Poha is all ready to serve.
Tips :
- Use a thick variety of Poha or Chira as it won’t break while stirring.
- You can use any nuts of your choice such as almonds, cashews.
- If you don’t like ghee much you can simply prepare it with vegetable oil. Although ghee is really good for our health. Adding a tsp of ghee in your regular diet can be nutritious.
- Poha should be served hot otherwise the taste is reduced. You can have it with a cup of tea.
Please try out this Poha recipe. It’s a delicious dish. Don’t forget to share your comments about how your recipe turned out.
Poha Recipe – Step by step detailed recipe :
- Slice the onions and other veggies in any shape of your choice.
2. Wash the Poha thoroughly and strain it. Keep it aside.
3. Take some ghee/vegetable oil in a kadhai or pan. Add bay leaves into it.
4. Add the sliced onions into the pan.
5. Add green chilies.
6. Fry it until light brown.
7. Add the veggies. Fry those until soft and cooked properly. Stir the veggies often.
8. Meanwhile, add turmeric & salt in the veggies.
9. After the veggies are cooked well, add soaked and drained poha.
10. Also, add sugar at this stage.
11. Also, add raisins & other fried nuts and mix poha well with the veggies but carefully so that poha or the flattened rice doesn’t break.
12. Cook the poha for 3-4mins and it is ready to serve.
