Instant Nimbe Avalakki Recipe – Instant Poha Snack
Looking for a quick and satisfying snack that you can prepare in minutes? The Instant Nimbe Avalakki, or Instant Poha Snack, is a delightful and light meal thatβs perfect for busy days, picnics, or as an easy breakfast. This South Indian dish is made using flattened rice (Poha) and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a refreshing and flavorful treat. Whether you’re a student abroad or someone on the go, this snack can be ready in less than 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Description
The Instant Nimbe Avalakki is a savory snack that combines the goodness of poha with roasted dals, peanuts, curry leaves, and a zing of citrus from citric acid crystals. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether as a light breakfast, snack, or even as a quick meal when soaked in warm water. Itβs easy to make, requires no cooking, and can be stored for later use.
Cuisine:
South Indian
Course:
Snack
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened Rice) (thin variety) | 1 kg |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Peanut Oil | 75 ml |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 4 tablespoons |
| Roasted Gram Dal (Pottukadalai) | 4 tablespoons |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 teaspoon |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup |
| Curry Leaves | A small bunchful |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 50 (adjust to taste depending on pungency) |
| Citric Acid Crystals (finely powdered) | 2 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Instructions
-
Heat the Oil: Begin by heating peanut oil in a large kadai (frying pan) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle.
-
Add the Seeds and Dals: Once the mustard seeds start to pop, add the cumin seeds. Follow with the urad dal, roasted gram dal (pottukadalai), and raw peanuts. Continue to roast these on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the dals turn golden brown.
-
Add Spices and Chilies: Add the asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, curry leaves, and green chilies to the pan. Fry these ingredients on low heat until the curry leaves and chilies become crispy. This step ensures that all moisture is eliminated.
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Prepare the Tadka: Sprinkle in half a teaspoon of citric acid crystals and mix well. Add salt to taste and combine all the ingredients thoroughly. This will form your seasoning base (tadka).
-
Mix in the Poha: Now, add the poha (flattened rice) to the pan. Gently toss and mix the poha with the spice mixture. Add the remaining citric acid crystals and salt to taste. Stir everything until the poha is well-coated with the seasoning. Once the poha is thoroughly warm, turn off the heat. No further cooking is required for the poha, just ensure it’s heated through.
-
Cool and Store: Allow the poha to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it for later use.
To Serve as a Snack or Meal
- For Breakfast or Travel: Take about 100 grams of the prepared poha and place it in a bowl. Add approximately 200 ml of lukewarm water, cover, and let it sit for 6-8 minutes to soften. After this, give it a quick stir and itβs ready to serve!
- As a Snack: Serve the poha as a snack with a cup of Ginger Cardamom Chai for an evening treat or enjoy it as a light breakfast alongside a Fresh Fruit Bowl for a refreshing start to your day.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the number of green chilies based on your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of citric acid crystals.
- You can add roasted cashews or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
- To make the poha extra crispy, you can lightly roast it before mixing it with the spices.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover poha in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. It can last for up to a week, making it a perfect snack for busy days or a travel-friendly meal option. Simply soak it with warm water to rehydrate and enjoy whenever you like!
Enjoy the delicious, quick, and wholesome Instant Nimbe Avalakki β a perfect companion for your busy lifestyle, whether you’re in the mood for a snack, breakfast, or a light meal!
