Bengali Chirer Pulao (Poha)
A delightful Bengali dish, Bengali Chirer Pulao is a variation of Poha commonly enjoyed for breakfast. Light, flavorful, and nutritious, this dish combines vegetables and spices to create a wholesome meal. You can add your favorite vegetables and even pack it for your children’s lunchbox.
Cuisine: Bengali Recipes
Course: North Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Poha (flattened rice)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 6-7 green beans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cabbage, chopped
- 1/3 cup green peas
- 3 tbsp peanuts, roasted
- 1 tbsp raisins
- 1/4 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- Juice of 1 lemon
- A few coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Steam the green peas, carrot, beans, and cabbage until tender. Set them aside.
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Soak the Poha: Place the Poha in a sieve and rinse it under water. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
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Cook the Spices and Onions: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the nigella seeds (kalonji) and let them cook for about 10 seconds. Then add the sliced onions and cook until they soften.
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Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the turmeric powder, cooked vegetables, roasted peanuts, raisins, sugar, and salt. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to blend.
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Combine Poha: Add the soaked Poha to the pan, mixing everything well. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, then add the lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves. Give everything a final mix and serve hot.
Enjoy Bengali Chirer Pulao as a healthy, flavorful breakfast or pair it with masala tea for a complete meal!
