Kanda Poha - Maharashtrian breakfast recipe

Kanda Poha or Onion Poha is one of the popular breakfast item of Maharashtra.  The Poha is nothing but flattened rice or the beaten rice.  This is a very popular breakfast or tea time snack in Maharashtra State in India.  The recipe is made from flattened / beaten rice and tossed in caramelized onions, green chillies and pea nuts.  The recipe can be made either with onions or even with potatoes.

Ingredients required

• 1.5 cups poha – red or white beaten rice or flattened rice
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 or 2.5 tbsp peanuts
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1 green chilli,chopped
• 1 tsp sugar or as required
• 1 or 1.5 tbsp oil
• salt as required

Method of preparation

1. First rinse the poha in water till they soften.
2. See that they  loose their crunchiness and when you break them between your finger, they should easily get crushed or mashed.
3. Now  add sugar, salt and turmeric powder to the poha and gently mix.
4. Dry roast the peanuts in a pan till they become crunchy.
5. Now heat oil in the same pan.  crackle the mustard seeds first in the oil.
6. then add onions and saute them till they become translucent.   add curry leaves and green chilies.
7. saute for half a minute.  add the roasted peanuts and stir.
8. add the poha and stir.
9. cover and steam the poha for 2-3 minutes on a low flame.
10. when cooking check after 1 or 1.5 minutes and give a stir again.
11. switch off the fire and let the poha remain covered for 1-2 minutes.
12. remove the lid and sprinkle some lemon juice, coriander leaves and grated coconut.
13. give a gentle stir and serve kanda poha or onion poha hot with tea.

 You can also add other vegetables like boiled Potatoes, boiled (or frozen) Green peas to make it a more substantial meal. Some roasted peanuts also make for a nice crunch.