Discover The Secret To Perfect Kanda Poha At Home

Kanda Poha is a quick, nutritious dish made by cooking poha with onions, curry leaves, chilies, and turmeric. Garnished with peanuts, coriander, and lemon juice, it is flavorful and light. Optional toppings like sev or coconut add extra taste. This simple dish is ideal for breakfast or an evening snack.

Kanda Poha, a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast, is made by sautéing softened flattened rice poha with onions, curry leaves, green chilies, and turmeric. The dish is garnished with roasted peanuts, fresh coriander, and a splash of lemon juice for added flavor. Optional toppings like grated coconut or sev enhance the taste. It is light, nutritious, and quick to prepare. The balance of spices, tangy lemon, and crunchy peanuts makes it a versatile dish. Serve it warm with tea or coffee for a wholesome snack.

Ingredients

• Poha (Flattened Rice): 2 cups
• Onion (Kanda): 1 medium, finely chopped
• Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped
• Peanuts: 2 tablespoons
• Curry Leaves: 8–10
• Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Salt: To taste
• Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Fresh Coriander: For garnish
• Grated Coconut: Optional, for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Rinse the Poha

• Take the flattened rice in a sieve or colander and rinse it under running water.
• Gently wash until the poha softens but does not become mushy.
• Let it drain and rest for 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to the soaked poha and mix gently.

2. Roast the Peanuts

• Heat a pan and dry roast the peanuts until crunchy. Set them aside.

3. Prepare the Tempering

• Heat oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
• Add curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

4. Add Turmeric and Mix

• Sprinkle turmeric powder over the sautéed onions and mix well.

5. Incorporate Poha and Peanuts

• Add the softened poha to the pan.
• Mix gently to coat the poha evenly with the turmeric-onion mixture.
• Add the roasted peanuts and stir well.

6. Adjust Seasoning

• Check for salt and adjust as needed.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Turn off the heat. Add lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves.
• Mix gently and garnish with grated coconut (optional).

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kanda Poha hot, accompanied by tea or coffee. You can also add sev or pomegranate seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.

This recipe yields a fragrant and delicious dish perfect for a light breakfast or evening snack.