Doodh Poha
A comforting and quick sweet porridge made with flattened rice, milk, and fragrant cardamom. This simple Indian dessert is ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for a warm breakfast or a light sweet treat.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Poha and Nuts
- b.Place the thick poha in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds until it softens slightly. Shake well to drain all excess water and set aside. Do not over-soak.
- c.Heat ghee in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced almonds and pistachios. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn light golden and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside for garnish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Boil and Flavor the Milk
- b.In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot, pour in the milk. Add the saffron strands, if using.
- c.Bring the milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the sugar and cardamom powder. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Poha
- b.Add the rinsed and drained poha to the simmering milk. Stir gently to combine.
- c.Cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The poha will absorb the milk and the mixture will thicken to a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
- d.Turn off the heat. The Doodh Poha will continue to thicken as it cools.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Ladle the warm Doodh Poha into serving bowls.
- c.Garnish generously with the toasted almonds and pistachios.
- d.Serve immediately for a warm, comforting treat.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use thick poha (Jad Poha) for this recipe. Thin poha will dissolve and turn mushy instantly.
- 2Rinse the poha just before adding it to the milk. Soaking it beforehand will make it too soft and pasty.
- 3For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat milk and add a pinch of nutmeg powder along with the cardamom.
- 4The consistency thickens considerably upon cooling. If you prefer it runnier, you can add a splash of warm milk before serving.
- 5Doodh Poha is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed chilled. If serving chilled, you may need to add a little milk to adjust the consistency.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative instead of ghee for toasting the nuts.
SweetenerSweetener
Replace white sugar with jaggery powder (gur), coconut sugar, or maple syrup. If using jaggery, add it after turning off the heat to prevent the milk from curdling.
FruityFruity
Top the Doodh Poha with fresh fruits like sliced bananas, chopped mango, or pomegranate arils for added flavor and texture.
Nut FreeNut-Free
For a nut-free version, skip the almonds and pistachios. Garnish with toasted seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
Poha is a good source of healthy carbohydrates, providing a quick and sustained energy boost, making it an excellent choice for breakfast to start your day.
Easily Digestible
Flattened rice is light on the stomach and easy to digest. This makes Doodh Poha a comforting food suitable for all age groups, including children and the elderly.
Rich in Calcium
The significant amount of milk used in this recipe makes it a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Doodh Poha contains approximately 370-400 calories, depending on the type of milk and amount of sugar used. This makes it a substantial and energy-giving breakfast or dessert.