Kanda Poha Recipe
Kanda Poha is a traditional Indian state Maharashtrian breakfast dish made with flattened rice (poha), onions, green chilies, and mild spices. It’s light, fluffy, tangy, and perfect to pair with a cup of chai for a wholesome start to the day.
Equipment
- 1 Sieve or colander
- 1 Medium pan or kadhai
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 cups poha flattened rice, thick variety for best texture
- 2 tablespoons oil coconut oil for a South Indian twist, or any edible oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 15 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar balances flavor, optional
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup roasted or cooked peanuts for crunch
- 1 lemon freshly squeezed juice
- Fresh coriander leaves chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the poha in a sieve or colander and rinse it lightly under running water. Do not soak, just wash with your fingers until it turns soft. Drain well and set aside for 5 minutes to allow the poha to fluff up.
- Heat oil in a kadhai or pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, turmeric powder, salt, sugar, and chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it turns soft and slightly golden.
- Add the softened poha to the pan and mix gently so the grains stay separate while absorbing the tempering flavors. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low flame for 2–3 minutes for even steaming.
- Add roasted peanuts for crunch, squeeze in fresh lemon juice, and mix everything gently.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot as a healthy Indian breakfast recipe, a quick evening snack, or a light meal with masala chai or coconut chutney.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sev or freshly grated coconut on top before serving.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies.
- Use thick poha to avoid mushiness and always rinse lightly instead of soaking.
- Kanda Poha is a popular Maharashtrian dish but also enjoyed as a quick poha snack across India.