By Jheelum Basu
December 24, 2025
With its origin in North Karnataka, Kalasida Avalakki (Mixed Poha) is a popular South Indian snack. It is known for featuring a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. Here’s the poha recipe to beat the evening snack cravings.
2 cups of thin poha (Paper Avalakki) ¾ cup chopped onion ¾ cup grated cucumber ½ cup freshly grated coconut ½ cup chopped tomato 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves ½ tbsp sugar – ½ tbsp salt
1 to 2 tbsp coconut oil 3 tbsp peanuts ½ tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds 1sprig curry leaves 2 chopped green chillies ¼ tsp turmeric powder ½ tsp chilli powder ½ tsp coriander powder ½ tbsp lime juice
Start by placing the thin poha in a large bowl. Sprinkle some water on it and mix gently. It doesn’t require soaking because of its thin texture. Keep it aside to soften.
Take a separate mixing bowl. Add chopped onion, tomato, grated coconut, cucumber, coriander leaves, lemon juice, sugar, and salt and give them a good mix.
Next, add the moistened poha and lemon juice to the vegetable mixture and toss everything well to ensure an even coating of the poha.
Heat oil in a small pan. Add peanuts and roast them. Now, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the green chillies, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds.
Now, pour the hot and spicy oil over the poha mixture and mix everything. Add some peanuts on top. Serve it hot as a tasty sevening nack.