Aloo Masala (Batata) Poha - Healthy Breakfast


aloo-batata-poha"Aloo Poha", or "Batata Poha", as its called in most places in Gujarat and Maharashtra, is a very well-known and easy-to-make light snack. Mostly savored as a healthy breakfast in most Indian homes, Aloo Masala Poha mainly consists of puffed rice flakes & potatoes, but it has evolved over time to include cooked veggies like boiled potatoes, onions, peas, carrots and coriander. Low in fats and carbs, and high in fiber and vitamins, this is a perfect breakfast meal. It is also popular as a light evening snack, often served with tea. My recipe combines more veggies than usual, and a final sprinkling of sev (thin flat noodles) for a glamorous touch. Light and refreshing, yet filling at the same time, this Aloo(Batata) Masala Poha is a simple and healthy meal!

Ingredients
3 cups poha (rice flakes)
1 medium-sized potato - boiled and chopped
1/2 onion - chopped finely
1/4 cup peas - boiled (or frozen and thawed)
2-3 tbsp carrots - boiled and chopped (optional)
1 green chilli - finely chopped
4-5 curry leaves
1/2 tsp cumin (jeera) seeds
4 tbsp oil
salt & lemon juice - to taste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp sugar
chopped cilantro - for garnish
thin sev or shredded coconut - for garnish (optional)

Method
Take the poha (puffed rice) in a bowl and wash it thoroughly with water. Soak them in water for 1 min, then transfer to a colander and let all the water be drained. leave them while you prepare the other stuff. They will puff up a little and get softened as they soak the water.

Take the chopped carrots and peas in a bowl, add a little water and microwave them for 5 mins until they become soft and cooked. Alternately, you can boil them along with the potatoes.

Take 4 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan, add the curry leaves and the cumin seeds. When they start spluttering, add the chopped green chillies and the onions. Saute them till they turn slightly pinkish-golden in color.

Add all the boiled vegetables, sugar, salt and turmeric powder and cook for 5 mins. Finally add the soaked poha and mix everything well ltogether, evenly coating with oil and spices. Sprinkle a little water if desired, then cover with a lid and let it cook for another 8-10 mins, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the vessel.

Add the chopped coriander, leaving some for garnish, and give it a final stir. Remove from flame and transfer to a serving bowl.

Garnish with some more chopped cilantro and shredded coconut or sev if you like. Serve the Aloo(Batata)Poha hot with a cup of tea for breakfast, or some lemonade on a breezy summer evening!

Related Recipes:
Vegetable Handvo - Savoury Lentil Cake
Paneer-Tomato-Capsicum Muffins
Spinach Onion Dosa(Pancakes)


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9 comments :

Sumi said...

Thanks for a good breakfast idea! I was just talking to my friend who lives in LA about Aloo Poha and here I see your post with an excellent recipe of Aloo Poha! I look forward to having this healthy poha on a beautiful sunday mornin, tomorrow that is. Happy Sunday!

Anonymous said...

you've given such a great variation for a traditional favorite! onions, peas and carrots, sounds delicious!:)

-hema

Unknown said...

Really fantastic... looks yummy and delicious...

Anonymous said...

Very creative dish . Looks like an easy and an delicious recipe.

KALVA said...

Easy, simple, delicious and healthy.. what else???

Shreya said...

lovely recipe, very healthy, simple!:-)

amna said...

have to pick up some poha next time i go to indian store. been meaning to for a while but forget. this is surely one of my favorite breakfasts, simple and savory :)

Deepthi Shankar said...

I love aloo poha .. a healthy breakfast option

Unknown said...

I always loved batata-poha,being diabetic, no rice & potatoes.

But, I modified the recipe, by using Go Lean 7 grain cereal (no sugar) and no potatoes, but adding other veges like small florets of broccoli & cauliflower, instead of sweet peas, I used edamame. Sometimes, I used small pieces of fresh ginger or yellow turmeric as well.

For cutting small pieces of lots of veges like onions, carrots, ginger, turmeric I use Progressive Onion Chopper, it saves so much of time, that is why I mentioned here.

I even took this as gift item to India and all the ladies over there loved it too.