Quick & Easy Poha Recipe: Make Poha in Under 10 Minutes

By : Moiz Blogger | 0 Comments | On : 18/07/2025 | Category : Blog

We’re excited to introduce you to one of India’s most beloved quick meals that can be prepared in just a few minutes. Poha, a flattened rice dish, is perfect for busy mornings when you need something nutritious and satisfying.

This recipe is not only easy to make but is also versatile and can be customized with various ingredients based on your preferences. Poha has become increasingly popular worldwide as a go-to breakfast option due to its simplicity and nutritional benefits.

As a quick and easy snack or breakfast option, poha saves time without compromising on health benefits. We’ll guide you through the simple cooking process that makes this dish accessible even for beginners.

Key Takeaways

• Poha is a quick and nutritious meal option that can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
• The recipe is versatile and can be customized according to your preferences.
• Poha is a popular breakfast option worldwide due to its simplicity and health benefits.
• It’s a great time-saving breakfast or snack option.
• The dish is easy to make, making it accessible for beginners.

What is Poha? A Quick Indian Breakfast Classic

As a traditional Indian breakfast dish, poha has gained popularity not only in India but worldwide. Poha, also known as pohe or powa, is a childhood favorite in India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra, where it’s a staple breakfast option.

Poha is made from flattened rice flakes and can be enjoyed in various forms, such as batata poha with potatoes or kanda poha with onions. Its versatility and nutritional profile make it an excellent quick meal option, providing carbohydrates and being easily digestible.

Origins and Popularity of Poha

Poha has its roots in the Indian state of Maharashtra but has gained widespread popularity across India. Its cultural significance as a breakfast dish is evident in its enduring presence in Indian cuisine.

Why Poha Makes a Perfect Quick Meal

Poha is perfect for busy mornings or as an after-school snack due to its quick cooking time and nutritional benefits. The flattened rice flakes are easy to digest, making poha a great option for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Poha

To make perfect poha, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The quality of these ingredients directly impacts the flavor and texture of your poha.

Essential Poha Ingredients

The core ingredients for making poha include 2 cups of thick poha flakes, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 sprig of curry leaves, 2 tablespoons of peanuts, 1/2 medium onion (diced), green chilies (to taste, finely chopped), salt (to taste), and 1 tablespoon of lime or lemon juice. Choosing the right type of poha flakes is crucial; look for the ‘medium’ variety as ‘thin’ poha clumps quickly and ‘thick’ poha feels like rice.

Optional Add-ins for Flavor Variations

You can enhance your poha with optional ingredients like potatoes, peas, or other vegetables. These add-ins allow you to adapt the recipe based on dietary preferences or restrictions. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.

How to Make Poha in Under 10 Minutes

In this section, we’ll guide you through the simple process of making poha in under 10 minutes. To start, we’ll prepare the poha flakes, followed by tempering the spices, and finally cooking and assembling the dish.

Preparing the Poha Flakes

Gently rinse the poha flakes with water about 2-3 times. Drain out the water and sprinkle salt and lemon juice. Gently mix with a fork and leave aside. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect texture.

Tempering the Spices

Heat oil in a medium non-stick pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Then, add dry red chili, asafoetida, turmeric powder, curry leaves, and peanuts.

Cooking and Assembling the Dish

Cook the peanuts for 30-40 seconds, then add onions and green chilies. Cook until the onions are translucent, then add potatoes and salt. Mix well, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender. Fluff up the poha with a fork, add it to the pan, and mix well. If the poha has dried out, sprinkle with a little water. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

With your poha dish ready, you can elevate it with creative serving ideas and proper storage techniques. To make it more appealing, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot. You can also modify this recipe by adding more veggies like peas, tomatoes, potatoes, and cauliflower.

Some traditional and modern accompaniments that pair perfectly with poha include chai tea or fresh yogurt. To present poha attractively, use proper garnishes like fresh coriander leaves, lemon wedges, and sev (crispy chickpea noodles). For storage, keep leftover poha in an airtight container to maintain its texture and flavor.

• Reheat poha gently to avoid making it dry or mushy.
• Add protein sources like boiled eggs or paneer to turn basic poha into a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with regional serving variations to add a twist to your poha.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your poha at any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast or as a snack. With a little creativity, poha can be the centerpiece of a complete meal spread.