Aloo poha is probably one of the earliest recipes that I remember learning from a south-Indian cookbook "Samaithu Par" by Meenakshi Ammal. This recipe is very simple, with lot of flavors & textures going on.
.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*)
The original recipe recommends using uncooked potatoes (but I have used cooked potatoes from previous night which helped me save time), that is chopped into smaller pieces and saute'ed in oil until crispy. The crispiness from potatoes & crunchiness from peanuts makes a delightful combo! Usually, I add 4-5 green chillies to make this dish extra spicy and then, add enough lime juice and balance out the spiciness. That way, this dish has a perfect mix of all the flavors. (But, if you are making this recipe for kids, cut down the number of chillies.) A handful of chopped cilantro at the end sure makes this an aromatic & flavorful recipe.
A simple & healthy recipe for your busy mornings (or) as after-school snacks. You can use thin or thick variety of poha, but make sure you soak just until it turns soft. Poha has this characteristics of becoming mushy when over-soaked and we don't want mushy poha for this recipe.
.jpg)
Basic Info
Complexity - Simple
Prep time - 10 mins
Cook time - 10 mins
Serves - 4
.jpg)
Ingredients
2 cups thick aval / poha / flattened rice
2 medium potatoes, cooked & chopped
3 green chillies, minced
1 sprig curry leaves
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 cup raw peanuts
1/8 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Lime juice, as needed
2 tbsp oil
Method
Wash and soak flattened rice / poha in water for about 6-8 mins until soft.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan. When hot, add mustard seeds and let it splutter. Add cumin seeds and let it sizzle. Stir in chopped green chillies and curry leaves for a min. Add peanuts and roast until crisp and golden brown.
Then, saute chopped onion until translucent. Add chopped potatoes, turmeric powder, salt and cook briefly until the flavors mingle (If using uncooked potatoes, make sure they are cooked through and crispy). Next, add poha (drain excess water) and mix well to combine. After 2-3 mins, remove pan from heat. Finally, add lime juice and mix well.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot for breakfast!
.jpg)