Kanda Poha (Maharashtrian Flattened Rice with Onion)
Local name: कांदा पोहे
In short: Flattened rice steamed with onion, peanuts, curry leaves and turmeric, finished with lemon and coriander. A light Maharashtrian breakfast ready in 20 minutes. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 315 kcal
Kanda poha is the quick breakfast of Maharashtra: flattened rice steamed with onion, peanuts, curry leaves and turmeric, finished with lemon juice and fresh coriander. It is light, a little sweet and sour, and ready in 20 minutes. It also turns up at roadside stalls with a cup of tea. Thick poha flakes are the key, because thin ones turn to paste. Rinse them quickly, never soak them.
Instructions
- Put the poha in a colander and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds, tossing with your hand, until the flakes feel soft but still hold their shape. Drain for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the poha with the sugar, salt and 1/4 tsp of the turmeric and toss gently with a fork.
- Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Fry the peanuts for 1 to 2 minutes until golden, then lift them out onto a plate.
- Add the mustard seeds. When they pop, add the curry leaves and green chilies for 10 seconds. If using potato, add it with 2 tbsp water, cover and cook for 6 minutes until tender.
- Add the onion and remaining turmeric and cook for 4 minutes until soft and translucent, not brown.
- Add the poha and fold gently. Cover and steam on the lowest heat for 2 minutes. Stir in the peanuts, lemon juice and coriander and serve topped with coconut and sev.
Tips
- Use thick poha, sold as jada poha. Rinse the flakes, never soak them, because they keep absorbing moisture from the hot onion.
- If the poha looks dry at the end, sprinkle over 1 to 2 tbsp water, cover and steam for another minute.
Questions and answers
Why is my poha sticky or mushy?
The flakes were washed too long or soaked, or they were thin poha. Rinse thick flakes briefly, drain well and rest them for 10 minutes before cooking.
Is poha gluten-free?
Poha is made from rice, so it contains no wheat. Check the label on packaged poha and sev in case of added wheat flour or cross-contamination.
What can I add to kanda poha?
Green peas, grated carrot or diced potato all work. A pinch of fennel seeds and a sprinkle of sev and pomegranate gives an Indore-style finish.
How long does it take to make Kanda Poha (Maharashtrian Flattened Rice with Onion)?
About 25 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kanda Poha (Maharashtrian Flattened Rice with Onion)?
About 315 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 315 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
