SABZI POHA
Poha or Avalaki is flattened rice flakes. Rice is partially cooked, flattened, fermented and then dried. This transforms the rice into a fluffy chewy grain that is cooked into different Indian snacks like chivda, bhel and breakfast recipes like poha.
To prepare poha, a quick rinse is needed to wash off any dirt, excess starch this also hydrates the grain. Once hydrated the grain is ready to use. To do this simply place the poha in a colander and rinse under running water for a few seconds while gently rubbing the grains between your fingers, don’t rub it hard or soak it breaks the grain. then leave it to hydrate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
NOTE: I like to make poha a little less carby. Add equal amounts of chopped veggies to lighten it up, it adds so much texture and flavor.
- Ingredients
- 1 cup thick flattened rice, I used red poha, white works well too, just make sure its the thick kind
- 1 cup finely chopped cauliflower
- 1 cup finely chopped, any mixed veggies combo or just 1 or two will do: peas, carrots, green beans, shredded cabbage or Brussels.crumbled tofu also is delicious for extra protein.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps any neutral oil
- ½ tsp asafoetida
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves, about 8-10 leaves
- 1/4 cup skinless peanuts
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- lemon juice 2-3 tablespoons
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsps chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Shredded fresh coconut, optional but tastes really good
- INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the poha as described in the notes above.
- WARM oil in a wok and place over a medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the peanuts and toast till slightly golden, then add onions, cumin seeds, curry leaves and green chillies.
- Sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion softens. Add the turmeric, salt and the chopped veggies stirring to coat the veggies with the spice mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes till veggies have soften evenly.
- then add in the poha and salt, mix with the veggie mixture. Cover and cook for a couple of minutes.
- To finish, mix in the lemon juice all over and adjust salt to taste. Give one more mix.
- Serve topped with chopped cilantro, lemon wedges and freshly grated coconut.
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