Poha is a popular Indian breakfast recipe that gets prepared in almost every household at least once a week. But, basically, this is a dish that has two varieties. One that is made in Bhopal - Madhya Pradesh and another which is made in Mumbai & Pune - Maharashtra. The Maharashtrian version of the Poha is called Kanda Poha. Today, I'm going to be sharing the Kanda Poha recipe or Flattened Rice recipe with y'all. For all those who are wondering what is "Kanda"? So, "Kanda" is a Maharashtrian word for Onions. The more the onions or Kanda, the better the taste is what is believed!
Kanda Poha
Kanda Poha is generally made with thick flattened rice. When you start with the process, make sure you do not over wash the Poha. It gets soggy. We do not want that.
I'm not from Maharashtra but fortunately, my best friend is from Mumbai. And, when I was living with her in Delhi, she used to talk about Kanda Poha all the time. Believe it or not, she was the one who taught me how to make Kanda Poha at home. After that, when I visited her home in Mumbai, her mom made me the best Kanda Poha.
What are the kinds of Poha?
Kanda Poha is a Maharashtrian version of Poha. It gets the term Kanda associated with it because " Kanda" translates to Onions in Marathi. Hence, the name - Kanda Poha. It is typically served as a breakfast with Tea.
Whereas, if you were in Madhya Pradesh, you'd be tasting a slightly sweeter version of Poha, and that's because of the flavoring with fennel (sauf). Also, they add some Cumin seeds along with the Mustard seeds to temper the oil (preferably butter). They soak the beaten rice (poha), in water which is already flavored with turmeric, salt, and sugar. The Indori Poha is typically served with Jalebi.
Also, there is a Bengali version of Poha called as, " Chirer Pulao". This is just the same as Kanda Poha. However, a little bit of Cashew Nuts and Raisins are added while making the Poha. Also, the Bengali version of Poha has a sweetness that is balanced with the spice of ginger.
How is Poha different from rice?
Poha is basically rice which has been partially boiled, rolled and then flattened. After which it has been sun-dried so that it looks like thick flakes. We generally look for a thicker flake, while making Kanda Poha.
Is Poha Healthy?
Poha is a great diet food. It has only 75% Carbs and 25% Fat. It is a weight watcher recipe.
So, listed below is the Kanda Poha recipe. So, without delay let us check out the Poha recipe listed below.
Kanda Poha or Flattened Rice
INGREDIENTS
- 250 gm Poha or Flattened Rice
- 2 qts Onions
- 2 qts Green Chilies
- ¼ cup Refined Oil
- 1 Pinch Asafoetida
- As per Taste Salt
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 10-12 leaf Curry Leaves
- ½ Cup Chopped Carrots
- ½ Cup Chopped Potatoes
- ¼ Cup Ginger Juliennes
- ½ Cup Green Peas
Garnish
- 1 bunch Coriander leaves or cilantro leaves
- 1 Pinch Black Salt
- 1 Pinch Sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Take Poha and wash them in water. Make sure you do not over wash. Just lightly wash them.
- Strain the water from the poha and keep it aside.
- Pour some oil in a sauce pan
- Throw in a dash of mustard seeds into it.
- Add a pinch of Asafoetida
- Now wash a bunch of curry leaves and throw it into oil.
- Now chop onions and throw it into the mix.
- Chop two green chilies and throw them into the mix.
- Sprinkle a dash of Salt, Turmeric powder and some Red Chili Powder
- Now add your chopped carrots along with the potatoes and cook at low flame for 2-3 minutes.
- Once the carrots & potatoes are partially cooked you can add in your green peas.
- Stir well and allow it to cook for a minute or two.
- Now slowly add the poha over the prepared veggie mix. Do not rush while pouring in the poha or else they will get mashy and stoggy. Be very slow and keep sprinkling them with a light hand over the veggies.
- Once you've added the poha, add the roasted peanuts and stir lightly until all combines. Do not over mix.
- Add in some lemon juice into it.
- Lastly, garnish with some freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
- Also sprinkle a pinch of black salt and a pinch of table sugar.
- If you want you can also add in some bhujia and garnish your poha with it. I didn't had it at home, so I didn't use it. But, it tastes yum!
Notes
Nutrition
Gina Smith says
The best Kanda Poha recipe. Followed the recipe word by word and came out just perfect
Anjali says
Thanks Gina!