Masala Poha Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Breakfast Delight
Masala Poha is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish that combines the goodness of flattened rice with an aromatic blend of spices, offering a delightful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy mornings. This recipe features the comforting crunch of poha, paired with crunchy onions, fragrant coconut, and a special smoky flavor from charcoal, making it a favorite across Karnataka. Hereโs how you can recreate this vibrant dish in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flattened Rice (Poha) | 2 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Grated Coconut | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 4 teaspoons |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Charcoal | 1 piece |
Preparation Time:
- 25 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 5 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Karnataka (South Indian)
Course:
- South Indian Breakfast
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Poha:
- Begin by soaking the flattened rice (poha) in a bowl with water. Allow it to soak for about 1 minute. After the poha absorbs the water, drain it completely and gently squeeze out the excess moisture. Set the poha aside to dry.
-
-
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked poha with finely chopped onions, grated coconut, sugar, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together well, ensuring an even distribution of the spices.
-
Infuse the Smoky Flavor:
- To give your poha a smoky flavor, take a piece of charcoal and heat it on a gas stove until it turns red-hot. Once itโs ready, place the hot charcoal in a small bowl. Place this bowl in the center of the poha mixture. Add a little oil over the charcoal and cover the bowl with a lid. Let it sit for about 1 minute to allow the poha to absorb the smoky aroma. After a minute, carefully remove the bowl and discard the charcoal.
-
Tempering:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter. After the mustard seeds have popped, add the asafoetida (hing) and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir and cook for another 10 seconds to release the flavors.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and pour this tempering over the poha mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure the tempering coats the poha evenly.
-
Serve Hot:
- Serve your Masala Poha hot, accompanied by a cup of ginger tea or masala chai for the perfect breakfast experience.
Tips for Perfect Masala Poha:
- Poha Consistency: Make sure not to soak the poha for too long. It should be soft but not soggy. Drain any excess water well after soaking to avoid making the poha mushy.
- Spice Adjustments: You can adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder.
- Smokiness: The smoky flavor from the charcoal gives this dish a distinct taste, but if youโre short on time, you can skip this step. The poha will still be flavorful with the right combination of spices.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and zest.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Why Youโll Love Masala Poha:
Masala Poha is not just a tasty breakfast; itโs also quick to make, making it perfect for busy mornings. The soft poha combines beautifully with the aromatic spices, and the added coconut and smoky essence take it to the next level. Enjoy this warm, satisfying dish as a comforting start to your day, or serve it as a light lunch or snack.
Pair it with your favorite beverage, whether it’s a hot cup of ginger tea or a refreshing masala chai. The recipe is naturally vegetarian, light, and healthy, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal.
