Learn How To Make The Classic Poha On An Induction Cooktop
Image Credit: Poha | Image Credit: Freepik

What Is Poha?

The traditional dish of Poha or Pohe is renowned as an easy-to-make yet delicious breakfast and snack recipe, popular both in households and restaurants alike. Its popularity can be attributed to its simplicity – requiring only basic ingredients, being vegan and gluten-free, and taking only a short amount of time to prepare. 

Poha is made from Flattened Rice, also known as parboiled rice, which has been dried and turned into crisp flakes. There are various types of poha based on their thickness – thin, thick, or dadpe pohe (the thickest variety) – as well as their colour – white or red. 

Mumbai in Maharashtra is especially renowned for its version of Kanda pohe - with Kanda meaning onion - but there are myriad other ways to make this classic dish from the region.

How to make Poha on Induction Cooktop

Poha, or Pohe, is a beloved traditional Indian Breakfast dish that is both vegan and gluten-free, packing a nutritious punch that makes it an ideal morning meal. Made with flattened rice, onions, and peanuts and seasoned with spices and herbs to tantalizing effect, its delectable flavor will surely please the palate. Whether it's enjoyed as part of an elaborate brunch spread or as a simple snack on the go, Poha is sure to be an instant hit!

Follow these instructions to do this quickly and easily.

Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to make poha on an induction cooktop:

  • 1 cup Poha (flattened rice) 
  • 2 tablespoon cooking oil 
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 
  • 10 Curry leaves 
  • 2 Green chillies, finely chopped 
  • ½ cup Peanuts, roasted and crushed
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder 
  • Salt to taste

Method 

 ASIN ID - B0B2S4XXD1   

  • Take the Poha in a bowl, rinse it gently with water and keep aside for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add some water if necessary.  
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium heat on an induction cooktop. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to pop. Now add curry leaves followed by green chilies and sauté for 10 seconds until fragrant.  
  • Reduce the heat to low setting on the induction cooktop, add peanuts and turmeric powder then mix well with a spoon or spatula for about 30 seconds until combined with spices evenly distributed throughout the mixture in pan.  
  • Now add the rinsed poha along with salt according to taste then mix gently so that poha doesn't break down too much as it cooks over low heat but is still evenly coated with spices from previous step of sauteing mixture in pan before adding poha itself. Cook covered up until soft yet crunchy texture is achieved all throughout which should take around 4 minutes or less depending upon consistency desired while stirring occasionally during this time period as desired so that nothing sticks at bottom of skillet due too much extended time being spent over same area while cooking up poha dish itself!   
  • Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves alongside any other condiments you may like such as ketchup/any type of chutney/yogurt based raita etc as accompaniment. Enjoy your delicious & healthy Poha made easy & quickly using Induction Cooktop!

Tips For Making Poha on Induction Cooktop


  • When it comes to the type of Poha that should be used for this recipe, I would recommend opting for a thicker variety such as Dadpe Pohe. Thin varieties may appear more appealing and convenient, but they have a tendency to become too mushy when cooked, making them ill-suited for this dish.
  • Soaking Pohe is an essential step to achieving the desired texture and flavor of the dish. The length of time in which they are soaked can drastically affect the outcome, so it is important to adhere to the recommended 30 seconds. Once done, it is imperative to drain them thoroughly in order to obtain that signature light and fluffy texture. As an alternative, one can also rinse the pohe directly through a strainer for optimal results.
  • For poha to achieve its desired texture and consistency, it is essential to use more oil than usual. This will help to prevent the rice flakes from becoming dry and brittle, ensuring that the dish remains pleasingly moist and flavorful. Additionally, the extra oil adds a pleasant richness to the overall taste of the poha.
  • In order to address dry poha, it is important to assess the mixture after adding the flattened rice and combining all of the ingredients. If you observe that the poha appears or tastes dry, then it may be beneficial to add a small amount of oil or sprinkle a few drops of water. However, caution should be taken not to overdo these additions as this could result in greasy or overly soggy poha.
  • Achieving the perfect taste in poha requires precision and balance. Too much salt can ruin the flavor, while an absence of tang or sweetness can lead to a bland and unsatisfying dish. Thus, it is important not to skip out on including sugar and lemon juice when preparing poha; these two components are essential for creating the ideal combination of salt, tang, and sweet that make this dish truly special.

Poha is an ideal breakfast choice that can be prepared with ease on an induction cooktop. It's a nutritious, light and zesty one-pot meal that is suitable for any day of the week, and its combination of ingredients make it a delicious dish to enjoy. Try this simple yet delightful recipe today and start your morning off right!