Poha upma was introduced to me in Mumbai when I went to my sister-in -law’s house in 1998. It was one super easy dish I learnt from my s-i-l as a beginner in kitchen. If you do the tadka right and garnish right , there is no failing.
Here is the dish which is great to whip up quickly in a busy morning. I have used brown rice flakes as a healthier alternative.
Ingredients :
Brown rice flakes / sigappu arisi aval / brown poha – 4 cups after soaking
Onion – Big size – 1 number
Cooked potato – 2 numbers
Tadka ingredients as seen in picture
Soak the poha after washing it thoroughly for 10- 15 minutes. Drain the excess water .
Cook potato in a cooker with salt needed and dice it. Heat oil in a pan, throw in mustard, urad dall, gram dall, chili, ginger and curry leaves. Add onions and when they turn translucent , add potato dices , salt and poha , give a gentle stir and turn off the heat. Cover it for 5 minutes . Add some asafoetida and garnish with finely chopped coriander /cilantro .
I have added onion to my taste, if you like to add more, please do and increase chillies proportionally. We can also add crushed roasted peanuts for crunchy texture , more veggies for a wholesome meal . Those who like tangy sweet twist , can top it with sugar sprinkle and lime juice squirts. The choices , as you see, are many , define the dish as you want , it is the fun that is all it matters .
