Poha Recipe | How to Make Fluffy Kanda Poha at Home (Step by Step Guide)

Poha Recipe – A Complete Guide with Taste, Tradition & My Personal Experience

If there is one dish that instantly takes me back to my childhood mornings, it’s Poha. The comforting aroma of onions sizzling in oil, the crunch of roasted peanuts, and the soft, fluffy flattened rice – it’s more than just food; it’s a bowl full of memories.

Poha is one of the simplest yet most wholesome Indian breakfast recipes. From Maharashtra’s kanda poha to Madhya Pradesh’s Indori poha, every region has its own unique twist. In this article, I’ll not only share the traditional poha recipe but also my personal experiences, tips, and variations that make it stand out. If you’ve been looking for a guide that feels human-written, emotional, and detailed, you’ve just landed in the right place.

Authentic poha recipe served hot with onions, potatoes, peanuts, lemon, and coriander – traditional Indian breakfast
Poha Recipe

Table of Contents

  1. What is Poha?

  2. Why Poha is Loved Across India

  3. Health Benefits of Poha

  4. Ingredients Needed for Poha

  5. Step-by-Step Poha Recipe (Kanda Batata Poha)

  6. Tips to Get Perfect Fluffy Poha Every Time

  7. My Childhood Memories with Poha

  8. Poha Recipe for Kids

  9. Poha Recipe for Weight Loss

  10. Veg Poha Recipe Variations

  11. Poha Recipe in English vs. Poha Recipe in Hindi

  12. Kanda Poha Recipe (Maharashtrian Style)

  13. Poha Recipe Hebbars Kitchen vs. My Version

  14. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  15. Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

  16. My YouTube Video on Traditional Recipes

  17. Final Thoughts

  18. FAQs

What is Poha?

Poha, also known as flattened rice, is a light, fluffy, and quick-to-make dish popular in almost every Indian household. It is made by washing and soaking flattened rice flakes, then tempering them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, potatoes, and spices.

Poha stands out for its simplicity and incredible versatility. You can make it in just 15 minutes, but the flavors can feel as comforting as a festive meal.

Why Poha is Loved Across India

Ask any Indian, and chances are they’ve grown up eating poha in some form.

  • In Maharashtra, people enjoy Kanda Poha (onion poha) with a dash of lemon and sev on top.

  • In Madhya Pradesh, Indori Poha comes with jalebi – sweet and savory together.

  • In Gujarat, poha is often slightly sweetened with sugar.

  • In Karnataka, you’ll find poha with coconut and green chilies.

Poha isn’t just food—it’s a memory on a plate, a taste of family mornings, train rides, and the warmth of heartfelt hospitality.

Health Benefits of Poha

Poha is not just tasty; it’s also incredibly healthy.

  • Low in calories → Perfect for weight loss.

  • Easily digestible → Light on the stomach.

  • Rich in iron → Great for women and kids.

  • Good source of carbs → Keeps you energetic.

  • Gluten-free → Ideal for people with gluten sensitivity.

This makes it a breakfast that ticks all the boxes of nutrition + taste + comfort.

Ingredients Needed for Poha Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Poha (flattened rice) – 2 cups (medium-thick variety is ideal)

  • Onions – 1 large (finely chopped)

  • Potato – 1 medium (cubed, optional but delicious)

  • Green chilies – 2 (slit or chopped)

  • Curry leaves – 8–10

  • Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

  • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

  • Salt – to taste

  • Peanuts – 2 tbsp (roasted)

  • Oil – 2 tbsp

  • Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

  • Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

Step-by-Step Poha Recipe (Kanda Batata Poha)

Step 1: Prepare the Poha

Put 2 cups of poha in a strainer and rinse it under running water until it’s soft and light.Be gentle – you don’t want mushy poha. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle salt and turmeric powder, mix lightly, and set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Peanuts

Heat oil in a pan, toss in the peanuts, and roast them until golden brown.Take them out and keep aside.

Step 3: Tempering the Flavors

In the same oil, add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves and green chilies. Let the aroma hit your senses!

Step 4: Add Onions & Potatoes

Sauté onions until translucent. Add diced potatoes and cook until soft.

Step 5: Mix the Poha

Add the soaked poha, gently mix with onions and potatoes. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Add roasted peanuts, lemon juice, and fresh coriander. Serve hot with tea or buttermilk.

Tips to Get Perfect Fluffy Poha Every Time

  1. Always wash poha gently to avoid breaking.

  2. Don’t soak poha in water – rinsing is enough.

  3. Add turmeric to poha while soaking for even color.

  4. Cover and steam poha for 2–3 minutes for a soft texture.

  5. Roasted peanuts add crunch – never skip them!

My Childhood Memories with Poha

For me, poha is not just breakfast – it’s nostalgia.I can still recall waking up to the sizzling aroma of onions in mustard oil, my mom calling me to the table, and me eagerly mixing my poha with an extra squeeze of lemon.

There were lazy Sunday mornings when poha was served with hot chai, and family conversations flowed endlessly. Even today, whenever I cook poha, it feels like reliving those moments.

Poha Recipe for Kids

Kids love poha when it’s made colorful and fun:

  • Fold in peas, carrots, and corn to add a pop of color and a healthy touch.

  • Garnish with grated cheese to make it kid-friendly.

  • Make small poha cutlets for lunchboxes.

This makes poha not only nutritious but also appealing for little ones.

Poha Recipe for Weight Loss

If you’re on a diet, poha can be your best friend.

  • Use minimal oil.

  • Add veggies like spinach, beans, and carrots.

  • Avoid potatoes for a low-calorie version.

  • Pair with green tea instead of chai.

This simple version keeps you full while cutting calories.

Veg Poha Recipe Variations

Poha is super versatile. You can try:

  • Vegetable Poha – with carrots, beans, peas.

  • Masala Poha – spiced with garam masala & red chili.

  • Lemon Poha – tangy and refreshing.

  • Coconut Poha (South Indian style) – with grated coconut.

Poha Recipe in English vs. Poha Recipe in Hindi

While recipes remain the same, many people search for “Poha recipe in Hindi” or “Poha recipe in English.” So here’s the deal:

  • Poha recipe in Hindi usually highlights “कांदा पोहा” or “बटाटा पोहा.”

  • Poha recipe in English gives a wider reach, especially for beginners.

Regardless of language or place, the love for poha is truly universal.

Kanda Poha Recipe (Maharashtrian Style)

The true Maharashtrian breakfast! Here’s what makes Kanda Poha special:

  • More onions than potatoes.

  • Garnished with sev (optional).

  • Serve it with a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing.

If you’ve never tried it in Mumbai, you’re missing out!

Poha Recipe Hebbars Kitchen vs. My Version

Hebbars Kitchen has some amazing poha recipes, but my version adds more personal touch:

  • I always squeeze extra lemon.

  • I love crunchy peanuts in every bite.

  • I keep poha slightly moist – never too dry.

It’s these small emotional touches that make my poha feel like home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-soaking poha → turns mushy.

  • Skipping peanuts → misses the crunch.

  • Adding too much oil → makes it greasy.

  • Not steaming → results in raw taste.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

  • Serve poha with masala chai for a classic combo.

  • In Indore, try it with jalebi.

  • Add yogurt or buttermilk for a refreshing twist.

My YouTube Video on Traditional Recipes

Here’s one of my YouTube videos where I share a traditional rice recipe. It’s the same homely touch you’ll find in my poha as well:

Final Thoughts

Poha is not just a recipe – it’s a connection to our roots, a dish that blends simplicity with satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for kids, for weight loss, or as a quick breakfast before work, it always delivers comfort.

Every spoonful reminds me of family warmth, lazy mornings, and the magic of Indian kitchens. And trust me – once you make poha with love, you’ll realize it’s not just food, it’s an emotion.

👉 For more authentic recipes and guides, check out Nijam Kosam.

FAQs

1. Is poha good for weight loss?
Yes! Poha is low in calories, light, and keeps you full – perfect for weight management.

2. Can I make poha without onions?
Absolutely. Skip onions and use vegetables like peas or carrots instead.

3. Which type of poha is best?
Medium-thick poha is best as it doesn’t get mushy.

4. Can I pack poha for lunchbox?
Yes, poha stays fresh for 5–6 hours if kept in an airtight container.

5. How to make poha spicier?
Spice it up with green chilies, a dash of red chili powder, or a sprinkle of garam masala for extra kick.

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