Kanda Poha
A classic Maharashtrian breakfast of flattened rice, sautéed onions, potatoes, and peanuts. This simple, savory, and light dish is ready in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick and satisfying morning meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Poha
- b.Place the thick poha in a large colander or strainer. Rinse under cold running water for 30-40 seconds, moving your fingers through it gently, until it becomes soft but not mushy.
- c.Ensure all water is drained completely. Let the poha rest in the colander for 5-10 minutes.
- d.Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the damp poha and toss gently with a fork to combine. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan (kadai) over medium heat. Add the raw peanuts and fry for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- c.In the same oil, add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Immediately add the cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- f.Add the diced potatoes and turmeric powder. Mix well to coat the potatoes. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender. You can sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent sticking and help them steam.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Steam
- b.Once the potatoes are fully cooked, add the prepared poha to the pan.
- c.Gently fold and mix everything together until the poha is evenly coated with the spices and turns a uniform yellow color. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the flakes from breaking.
- d.Cover the pan and let the poha steam on the lowest heat for 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for making the poha soft, fluffy, and flavorful.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Uncover the pan and add the fried peanuts, chopped coriander leaves, and fresh lemon juice.
- c.Give it a final gentle toss to combine all the ingredients.
- d.Serve immediately, garnished with extra coriander and fresh grated coconut, if using.
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 (Jada Poha) for this recipe. Thin poha will disintegrate and become mushy when rinsed.
- 2Do not soak the poha in water; a quick rinse is sufficient. The residual moisture is enough to soften it.
- 3The final 2-3 minute steaming step is key to a soft and fluffy texture. Don't skip it.
- 4For a balanced flavor, don't skip the sugar. It complements the tanginess of the lemon and the savoriness of the salt.
- 5To check if potatoes are cooked, press one with the back of a spoon. It should break easily.
- 6For extra crunch, you can garnish with fine sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles) just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Add 1/4 cup of green peas or finely chopped carrots along with the potatoes for extra nutrition and color.
Jain VersionJain Version
To make it Jain-friendly, omit the onions and potatoes. You can add diced raw banana or bell peppers instead.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder along with the turmeric for more heat.
Indori Poha StyleIndori Poha Style
Garnish with finely chopped onions, sev, and a sprinkle of jeeravan masala for a taste of Indori street food.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Energy
Poha is rich in healthy carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy to keep you active throughout the morning.
Easily Digestible
As a light and non-greasy dish, Kanda Poha is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, making it an excellent choice for breakfast.
Rich in Iron
The process of making flattened rice involves passing it through iron rollers, which fortifies it with iron. This helps in preventing iron deficiency.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Made from flattened rice, poha is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Kanda Poha (approximately 1 cup or 165g) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and peanuts used.