Poha is made from flattened rice. I learnt this dish originally from my maternal grandmother. She was a great cook. She usually made this dish during the winter season in India. You get most of the fresh vegetables during this season, especially the green peas, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower etc. She always made huge quantity and served it for breakfast. There is also a touch of the style from my mother-in-law. She uses lemon juice, green beans, and potato in Poha.
Serves 6
Ingredients:
4 cups of flattened rice (thick ones)
1 large onion chopped
2 green chillies chopped
1 medium potato chopped
1/2 cup green beans chopped
1/2 cup carrots chopped
1/2 cup cauliflower cut in very small florets
1/2 cup green peas
1 and 1/2 cup tomato chopped
1/2 cup coriander leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black mustard seeds
2 green cardamoms
2 black cloves
2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala powder
1/2 juice of lemon
2 tbsp of Maggi Hot and Sweet sauce (this is optional)
5 tbsp Oil
Salt to taste
Directions:
Heat oil, add cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, cardamom, cloves, and green chillies. When it starts to splutter, add onions. Saute the onions until golden brown, add cauliflower, potato, green beans, carrots, and green peas. Cover and cook until the vegetables are slightly cooked. Then add tomatoes, cover and cook until tomato is soft. Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder, and mix it well. Put the rice in a strainer and wash it with cold water 2 times, then add it to the pan.
Note: do not leave it to soak or else the rice will be too soft. Add salt, then mix the flattened rice properly on medium flame. Add the Maggi hot and sweet sauce if you like but if you don't have it you can also use ketchup. Add garam masala powder and lemon juice, and mix well. Turn off the heat and add coriander leaves. Serve it hot.