Poha is an Indian snack and breakfast dish made with flattened rice. It is delicious and naturally gluten-free.

Recipes like this one are so nostalgic, remembering the aroma of the kitchen as my mom prepared this dish and the comforting feeling it gave me when I ate it takes me back to being a young girl growing up in India. Whether for breakfast or an evening snack, I like to pair it with a cup of chai.

This savory poha rice recipe has been a staple in my family since childhood and is a comfort food must-have for me.

What Is Poha?

Transformed and eaten in several variations across India, poha is an extremely popular dish made of flattened rice. The rice is first soaked, strained, flattened, and dried to make poha. Traditionally, it is lightly fried with turmeric, curry leaves, and peanuts, and eaten for breakfast.

Its popularity stems from it being inexpensive to make, is also very filling, healthy, and naturally gluten-free. Poha can be either white or red, based on its thickness, and with just a few ingredients this easy poha rice recipe dish can be transformed into a tasty meal your family will enjoy!

Is This Poha Rice Recipe Easy to Make?

Yes, this easy poha rice recipe is a go-to for me especially when I need a last-minute potluck dish or need to feed a crowd. In under 30 minutes, I have a satisfying and nutritious meal ready and looking amazing.

How To Make This Easy Poha Rice Recipe

Here are the steps it takes to create a delicious poha dish.

STEP 1: PREP THE VEGGIES

Start by chopping the onion, tomato, chili, and cilantro leaves and set aside. You can do this step ahead of time if you like.

STEP 2: ROAST THE PEANUTS

In a skillet, on medium low heat, add the peanut or olive oil and the raw peanuts. Cook them until they start to turn golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Next remove them from the pan and set aside.

I like to put them on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Adding these roasted peanuts gives this dish an aromatic and nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

STEP 3: COOK THE SPICES

Go ahead and add the black mustard seeds and curry leaves to the same skillet with oil and fry on medium-low heat until they start to crackle. Be sure not to skip this step, it ensures that you will get all the flavors from the spices, and they will really enhance the dish.

STEP 4: START PUTTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER

Add the chopped onion and chili and cook until onions start to become translucent; go ahead and season with salt and turmeric powder. Add the chopped tomato and peas and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.

STEP 5: PREPARE THE POHA

In the meantime, lightly wash and drain poha in cold water. Do not leave poha in water for too long as it is very delicate and can become mushy.

STEP 6: FINISH UP

Go ahead and add the poha and peanuts to the pan with veggies, then gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Cook on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, once finished remove from the heat and let the mixture sit for about 2-3 minutes so all the flavors start to marry.

Your kitchen will be smelling amazing by now so gently stir in lemon juice and cilantro leaves, and garnish with a lime wedge. Time to serve!

What Meal Is This Poha Flattened Rice Recipe Intended For?

This poha flattened rice recipe is such a versatile dish that it can be eaten at any meal. Even though it is a filling dish, it digests easily and is perfect for breakfast, lunchtime, and an evening snack. It is also perfect for a picnic, a potluck, or last minute get together.

What Is a Savory Breakfast?

A savory breakfast is any breakfast that takes on more salty notes than sweet ones, as shown in this delicious easy poha rice recipe. The combination of curry leaves, mustard seeds, and salt for example highlight the savory notes in this scrumptious poha rice recipe.

What Should I Serve with Poha Rice?

The side options are limitless for this poha rice recipe, here are a few you might like.

• If you are serving this dish for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, try accompanying it alongside other dishes like my tasty cream of wheat, savory curried tofu scramble, or a colorful fruit salad.
• If you are serving this dish for a snack, it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of Indian chai or cappuccino.

Easy Poha Rice Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations you are sure to love if you need to modify this poha rice recipe.

• Have a peanut allergy? No problem, pecans, cashews, or walnuts will work great here as well.
• The vegetables used in this recipe are tomatoes and peas, if you don’t happen to have those in your pantry, you can try carrots, cabbage, broccoli, corn, green beans, and bell peppers will work well too. The key is to ensure that the vegetables are finely chopped.
• Try adding boiled potatoes to this poha dish to make ‘batata poha’ potato poha.
• Savory toppings are what I like best but some fun sweet toppings to try can be, pomegranate seeds, chopped dried mangoes, raisins, chocolate chips, and even coconut flakes.

How Do I Ensure My Poha Rice Is Fluffy?

To get just the right fluffy texture, start by rinsing and draining the poha with cold water. Be sure not to leave the poha in water for too long as it is very delicate and can become mushy very quickly.

After mixing everything if you feel the poha is looking or tasting dry, drizzle a teaspoon of oil or water.

This poha rice recipe makes a delicious and savory Indian breakfast!

This poha flattened rice recipe really does invite a plethora of flavor combinations, I can’t wait to hear what yours will turn out like. Here are a few things to remember before you begin.

As you roast your spices, wait for the mustard seeds to start crackling in the oil, it will ensure just the right flavors come through in this dish. Also, poha absorbs water very quickly so don’t let it soak in the water too long. And last but not least, don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have in your refrigerator, the possibilities are endless!

Nutritional Information

There are a multitude of health benefits to this easy curried poha if prepared as directed. Here are a few you can gain by using the ingredients in this dish.

• Onion – Is high in antioxidants, helps control blood sugar levels, and may boost bone density.
• Tomato – Is a good source of Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin K, and Folate
• Cilantro – It can help to lower blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.
• Olive Oil – Is high in antioxidants, it can help to reduce inflammation in the body and fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease, and arthritis as well.
• Peanuts – Is rich in antioxidants, it helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body and promotes bone and muscle growth.
• Black Mustard Seeds – Are known for their high anti-inflammatory effects, and contain fiber, magnesium, and omega 3’s. It helps to reduce some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lower blood pressure levels.
• Curry Leaves – Helps to fight inflammation in the body, is packed with antioxidants, contains anti-cancer properties, can help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s, and protects the heart against heart disease.
• Turmeric – Is a powerful antioxidant, is a natural inflammatory, and is good for your skin.
• Green Peas – Are rich in fiber, protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and are good for digestion.
• Poha – Helps to control blood sugar levels, is a good probiotic and rich in iron.
• Lemon – Helps to aid in digestion, is a good source of Vitamin C, and improves skin quality.
• It’s healthy
• It’s vegan
• It’s egg-free
• It’s dairy-free

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-BON APPÉTIT!