Pohay / Pohe

Pohay or Pohe is an Indian fast food prepared in Maharashtra. Its origins are unknown. Northern variants of this dish tend to be sweet, while Maharashtrian pohay tends to be spicy. It is also often served with an extremely spicy curry, locally called 'tarri'. Pohay with tarri is a relished snack in the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra state. Pohay is made of flattened, processed rice, roasted with chilies, onions, mustard and cumin seeds and curry leaves (called Kadi-fatatas). It is a high carbohydrate, low fat, quick meal that can be made in minutes.

Pohay / Pohe

Ingredients

• 2 cups poha (flattened rice)
• 2 tbsps vegetable/ canola/ sunflower cooking oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 5-6 curry leaves
• 2 green chillies slit lengthwise (optional)
• 1 medium onion chopped fine
• 1 large/2medium potatoes quartered and sliced very thin
• Handful of unsalted peanuts (skins removed)
• Pinch of turmeric powder
• Juice of 1/2 a lime
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander to garnish

Method

• Put the poha in a sieve and wash under running water for 2 minutes. Keep aside to drain.
• Heat the oil in a pan on a medium flame and add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies. Fry till the spluttering stops and then add the onion. Fry till soft and translucent.
• Add the peanuts and potatoes and stirring frequently, cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Drain the poha completely to remove all water and add it to the above mix. Add the turmeric powder and stir well to blend all ingredients.
• Cook for another minute. Turn off the fire. Pour lime juice over the poha and mix well.
• Garnish with chopped coriander and serve while hot. Poha tastes great with Mint-Coriander Chutney!