Poha: A Delicious Vegan Breakfast

Poha, a flattened rice dish tempered with onions and spices, is a popular and easy-to-make vegan breakfast option across India. It comes together in under 20 minutes and is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups thick poha (flattened rice)
• 1/4 teaspoon Darsa Organics turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon salt (divided)
• 1/3 cup green peas (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Darsa Organics mustard seeds
• 1.5 tablespoons raw peanuts
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• Sev (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Rinse the poha in a strainer under running water until softened. A flake should break easily between your thumb and index finger when pressed.
2. Combine the poha with turmeric and half the salt. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
4. Add peanuts and saute for a minute or two until browned.
5. Add chopped onion, green chili, and curry leaves. Cook for 2 minutes, or until onions soften.
6. Add soaked green peas and cook for 2 minutes, or until the raw pea smell disappears.
7. Stir in the rinsed poha and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add a little water if the poha feels dry. Season with remaining salt and add sugar (if using) and chopped cilantro.
8. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let sit for 2 minutes. Turn off heat.
9. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and garnish with additional cilantro and sev. Serve with a cup of chai (tea).

Notes:

• For an extra flavor boost, garnish with freshly grated coconut.
• Thick poha is recommended for this recipe, as thin poha won't work well.