Flattened rice (also called beaten rice) is a de husked rice which is flattened into flat light dry flakes. These flakes of rice swell when added to liquid, whether hot or cold, as they absorb water, milk or any other liquids. The thickness of these flakes vary between almost translucently thin (the more expensive varieties) to nearly four times thicker than a normal rice grain.
Unlike most North American and European breakfasts, which tend to be on the sweeter side (think: cereal, toast with jam or even chocolate spread, pastries, muffins, pancakes), Indian breakfasts are typically spicy and savory… and did I mention: delicious? The Poha is a full-flavour, mildly spicy, fluffy rice full of different elements. It is both hearty and light at the same time, and amazingly satisfying.Its loved by people of all age groups.You can find these in small local restaurants of India.
This recipe will make 4 servings.
Ingredients:
Poha (flattened rice) 2 cups
Mustard seeds 1 teaspoon
Sunflower Oil 1 tablespoon (or even less)
Green chillies (chopped small) 1 or 2 (as per your taste)
Onion (small dice) 1
Potato 2 (semi – boiled,diced)
Green Peas 1/2 cup(semi-boiled)
Carrot 1(diced,semi-boiled)
French Beans 5-6(semi-boiled)
Dry Roasted Peanuts 1/2 cup
Turmeric 2 teaspoon
Curry leaves 5-6
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (chopped) for garnish 1/2 cup
Fresh lemon (to squeeze at end)
Procedure
Soak the Poha in water for 5 -10 mins then drain in a colander.I used Basmati Poha as it has a special aroma.You can feel the fragrance of Basmati Poha throughout your cooking. Heat oil in a non-stick pan .Add curry leaves and mustard seeds for tempering/tadka. As soon as they crackle, add diced onion and green chilies. Fry until translucent.Add the semi -boiled veggies (carrot,french beans,potatoes and green peas).As we won’t be frying or add water,it would be difficult to cook these veggies;so i have semi-boiled them.This would get them cooked in almost no oil and in a short span.
Add turmeric and salt and saute for a 4-5 minutes.I add salt before adding the poha as it incorporates well with the veggies,else sometimes the poha at one side absorbs more salt and tastes horrible.
Add the Poha and mix well with all the ingredients in the pan.Cover and cook for 2 minutes and remove the cover.Remove from the gas.Squeeze some lemon juice.
Transfer to serving bowl and sprinkle fresh Coriander leaves to garnish.
Serve hot and enjoy with tea or soup.
The joy of taste and sensation at a place where creativity has no boundaries 