Poha Pulao (Flattened Rice Pilaf)

     

       
                  

          Poha is a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast, very common in almost every household. Very light and nutritious, it can be relished as an evening tea-time snack or as a lunch box meal. It tastes awesome with some green chutney as an accompaniment. It is also a very easy and a quick recipe. For a more healthier version, red poha or brown poha are recommended.

• 1 cup poha, washed well and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 potato, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp. ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp. oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• few curry leaves
• 2 tbsp. roasted peanuts
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• coriander leaves to garnish

          Heat 1 tbsp. oil in  a pan and sauté the cubed potatoes till light brown. Keep aside. Add the remaining oil and temper with cumin seeds and bay leaves. After it stops spluttering, add the ginger and asafoetida and sauté for a few seconds.

          Then add the onion, curry leaves and green chilies and fry till translucent. Add the peas and turmeric powder and sauté for a few seconds.

          Now add the poha, salt, fried potatoes, garam masala powder and peanuts and continue to fry for 2-3 minutes on low flame. When done, add the lime juice. Mix well and serve, garnished with coriander leaves.