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Poha (Easy Kanda Poha)
5 from 45 votes

Poha (Easy Kanda Poha)

Poha is a fluffed flattened rice dish cooked with diced potatoes, onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and spices like mustard and cumin seeds. The incorporation of peanuts adds texture, while turmeric and a balance of salt and sugar create a flavorful base. Lime juice and fresh cilantro finish the dish before serving. The result is a comforting, mildly spiced dish with soft, separate grains and tender veggies, commonly eaten for breakfast or snacks in Indian cuisine.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 3
Calories: 380 kcal
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cup poha medium or thick, flattened rice
  • 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil divided, generic cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoon peanuts raw, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds optional, aka rai
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds optional, aka Jeera
  • 10-12 curry leaves aka Kadi Patta
  • 2 green chili pepper diced, adjust to taste
  • 3/4 cup onion diced
  • 3/4 cup potato diced into 1/2-1 centimeter pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves chopped, aka corainder
Garnishes when serving (optional)
  • sev as needed, or bhujia
  • pomegranate seeds as needed
  • coconut freshly grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add poha to a strainer and rinse under running water until the water runs clear. Make sure all the poha is wet. Let it rest while you sauté the other ingredients.
  2. Heat a heavy bottom pan on medium-high heat. Add oil to the pan and let it heat.
  3. (optional )Add the peanuts and saute for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. When they are roasted, take out in a plate and set aside.
  4. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the oil and let them sizzle.
  5. Add the curry leaves and green chili pepper. Then, add the diced onions and stir well. Saute for a minute.
  6. Add the diced potatoes. Mix well with the onions. Now cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat until the potatoes are cooked completely. Open the lid and stir. Break a potato piece with the spatula to ensure it is cooked well. (It is important to cut the potatoes into small pieces so they cook quickly in 3-4 minutes)
  7. Add turmeric, salt, sugar, and poha to the pan. Mix gently until all the poha gets the yellow turmeric color. Change to low heat and cover the pan for 2 minutes. This helps to heat the poha.
  8. Turn off the heat and open the lid. Sprinkle lime juice, add back the roasted peanuts (if using).
  9. You can taste test and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with cilantro leaves and any optional garnishes.

Notes

  • Use medium or thick flattened rice for proper texture; thin poha becomes mushy.
  • Dice potatoes into small pieces to ensure they cook through quickly.
  • Do not skip sugar; it balances the overall flavors effectively.
  • If the poha appears dry, sprinkle a little water and mix once to moisten.
  • You can add diced bell peppers, green peas, corn, or grated carrots to make a vegetable poha.
  • Store poha in an airtight container and consume within a short time for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories 380kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 39g (13%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 901mg (38%) Potassium 348mg (7%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 139IU (3%) Vitamin C 88mg (98%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 380

% Daily Value*

Calories 380kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 39g 13%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 901mg 38%
Potassium 348mg 7%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 139IU 3%
Vitamin C 88mg 98%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.