Chuda Santula
A wholesome and comforting breakfast from Odisha, this dish combines flattened rice (poha) with a medley of tender, boiled vegetables. It's lightly spiced with the unique aroma of pancha phutana, incredibly healthy, and comes together in one pot.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Poha & Vegetables
- b.Place the thick poha in a large colander. Rinse it under cold running water for about 30-40 seconds, moving it around with your fingers. Do not soak. Set aside to drain completely.
- c.Meanwhile, wash, peel, and chop the potato, brinjal, raw papaya, and pumpkin into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop the tomato.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Boil the Vegetables
- b.In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, combine all the chopped vegetables (potato, brinjal, papaya, pumpkin, tomato).
- c.Add 2 cups of water, grated ginger, slit green chilies, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- e.Cook until the vegetables are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking them into a mush.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.While the vegetables are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a small tadka pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the pancha phutana. Allow the seeds to crackle and become fragrant, which should take about 30-40 seconds.
- d.Add the broken dried red chilies and sauté for another 10-15 seconds until they darken slightly. Be careful not to burn the spices. Immediately turn off the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Carefully pour the hot tempering over the cooked vegetables in the kadai and mix gently.
- c.Add the drained poha and the fresh grated coconut to the vegetable mixture.
- d.Gently fold everything together until the poha is evenly coated with the vegetables and spices. Use a light hand to prevent the poha flakes from breaking.
- e.Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the poha to steam and absorb all the flavors.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Fluff the Chuda Santula gently with a fork.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use thick poha (jada chuda) for this recipe. Thin poha will become mushy and paste-like.
- 2Rinse the poha just before you are ready to add it to the pan. Rinsing too early can make it dry out.
- 3Cut all vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- 4The authentic flavor comes from pancha phutana. If unavailable, you can make your own by mixing equal parts mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and fenugreek seeds.
- 5For a slightly sweeter note, you can add a teaspoon of jaggery or sugar along with the salt.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 2 tablespoons of soaked moong dal along with the vegetables while boiling to increase the protein content.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Tangy FlavorTangy Flavor
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the dish just before serving for a fresh, tangy taste.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder with the turmeric for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Loaded with various vegetables like pumpkin, papaya, and brinjal, this dish is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Sustained Energy Release
The flattened rice (poha) provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and is low on the glycemic index, offering sustained energy to start your day without causing a sharp spike in blood sugar.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The medley of vegetables contributes a wide range of essential vitamins (like Vitamin A and C) and minerals (like potassium), supporting overall health and boosting immunity.
Gut-Friendly and Easy to Digest
Poha is light on the stomach and easy to digest. This dish, with its minimal spices and boiled vegetables, is gentle on the digestive system, making it an ideal breakfast or light meal.
Frequently asked questions
Chuda Santula is a traditional, healthy breakfast dish from the state of Odisha in India. It's a savory preparation made with flattened rice (chuda/poha) and a mix of boiled vegetables (santula), tempered with a unique five-spice blend called pancha phutana.