Delicious Aloo Poha Recipe (Batata Poha): A Quick and Easy Breakfast Delight
Aloo Poha, also known as Batata Poha, is an incredibly popular Indian breakfast dish, known for its balanced blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy flavors. With the softness of poha (flattened rice) and the crunchy texture of roasted peanuts, this dish is not only comforting but also nutritious. Aloo Poha is made tangy and spicy with the addition of green chilies, lemon juice, and a blend of spices, along with boiled potatoes that enhance its texture and heartiness. The subtle sweetness from sugar and the crunch of fresh pomegranate kernels provide the perfect finishing touch. Let’s dive into this delightful, quick, and easy recipe for a nutritious start to your day.
Cuisine
Indian
Course
Indian Breakfast
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened rice) | 2 cups |
| Potatoes (Aloo), peeled and diced | 2, small dice |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig, finely chopped |
| Onions | 2, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 4, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemons | 2, juice extracted |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Small bunch, finely chopped |
| Fresh Pomegranate Kernels | 3/4 cup, for garnish |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Prepare Poha
To begin making the Aloo Poha (Batata Poha), rinse the poha (flattened rice) under cold water until it becomes soft but not mushy. Use a large strainer to make the rinsing process easier and ensure that excess water is drained. Once rinsed, transfer the poha to a large bowl. Add turmeric powder, salt, sugar, lemon juice, and asafoetida (hing). Stir gently to combine the ingredients and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Green Peas
If using frozen peas (which I highly recommend for convenience), place them in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes until the peas are soft. Alternatively, you can cook the peas in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles and then release the pressure immediately. Drain the water from the peas and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Roast the Peanuts
In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the raw peanuts to the pan and roast them until they are golden brown and crunchy, which takes about 5 minutes. Make sure to roast them on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly from the inside out. If you are using pre-roasted peanuts, you can skip this step. Just toss them lightly in oil when the mustard seeds are crackling in the next step to add flavor.
Step 4: Tempering and Sautéing the Spices
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan (preferably a Kadai or stir-fry pan) over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their fragrance. Add finely chopped onions, curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Cooking the Potatoes
Now, add the diced potatoes to the pan. Stir them in with the spices and onions, and sprinkle a little salt over them. Add about 1/4 cup of water to help them cook faster. Cover the pan and cook the potatoes on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, or until they become soft and cooked through.
Step 6: Mixing Poha with the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the poha mixture into the pan. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of water on top and gently stir everything together. Be careful not to break the poha, and ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Cover the pan with a lid and let the poha simmer for about 4-5 minutes on low heat. This will allow the flavors to meld, and the poha will fluff up, becoming light and airy.
Step 7: Adding Final Touches
After the poha has simmered, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, steamed green peas, roasted peanuts, and chopped coriander leaves. Give it one final stir, cover the pan, and let the Aloo Poha rest for a minute so that all the flavors come together.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once rested, taste the poha and adjust salt, sugar, or lemon juice as needed. If you prefer it spicier, you can also add an extra green chili or a pinch of red chili powder. For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh pomegranate kernels on top for a burst of sweetness and crunch.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your warm Aloo Poha along with a cup of adrak chai (ginger tea) and a bowl of fresh fruits for a complete breakfast experience. For an even more filling meal, consider adding some protein by including sprouts, nuts, seeds, or even a boiled or scrambled egg. Enjoy this delightful, easy-to-make breakfast that is packed with flavors and nutrients.
Tips for the Perfect Aloo Poha:
- Rinse the Poha Properly: Make sure you don’t over-rinse the poha, as it will become too soggy. Just rinse it long enough to soften it without making it mushy.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies, or add a dash of red chili powder for extra heat.
- Add Protein for a Hearty Meal: To make this breakfast more filling, add a handful of roasted nuts, seeds, or even a boiled egg on the side.
- Use Fresh Pomegranate: Fresh pomegranate kernels are a great garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, but you can also omit them if unavailable.
- Let the Poha Rest: After cooking, allow the poha to rest for a minute or two to let the flavors settle and infuse into the rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Saturated Fat | ~1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
| Sugar | ~6g |
This quick and easy Aloo Poha is not only flavorful but also provides a healthy and energizing start to your day. Packed with carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins, it’s a perfect option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a wholesome meal that’s light yet satisfying. Enjoy this traditional Indian breakfast that brings comfort and joy in every bite!
