Vegetable Poha

• •2 cup Thick Poha (flattened rice) (medium or thick variety)
• •1 piece Onion (medium, finely chopped)
• •1 piece Potato (small, peeled and finely diced)
• •0.5 cup Peas (fresh or frozen)
• •0.5 cup Carrot (finely diced)
• •1 piece Green chili (slit lengthwise, adjust to taste)
• •8 piece Curry leaves
• •1 tsp Mustard seeds
• •0.5 tsp Cumin seeds
• •0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
• •1 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• •0.3 cup Peanuts (roasted, optional)
• •2 tbsp Cilantro (fresh, chopped, for garnish)
• •2 tbsp Oil
• •to taste Salt
• •0.5 tsp Sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the poha in a colander and rinse it gently under running water for about 1-2 minutes until it softens but is not mushy. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the finely diced potatoes and carrots to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp. You can cover the pan for a few minutes to help them cook faster.

4. 4

   Stir in the chopped onions and peas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peas are cooked through.

5. 5

   Add turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly. If using, add roasted peanuts now and stir.

6. 6

   Gently add the drained poha to the pan. Add sugar (if using) and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly but gently, ensuring the poha doesn't break apart. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the poha is heated through and the flavors are well combined.

7. 7

   Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Use medium or thick poha; thin poha tends to get too mushy. If your poha is very thick, you might need to soak it for an extra minute or two.
• 💡For extra crunch, you can fry the peanuts separately until golden brown before adding them, or use store-bought roasted peanuts.
• 💡A pinch of sugar helps balance the flavors, especially if your poha is on the tangier side from the lemon.