Kanda Aloo Poha is one of my favorite healthy Indian breakfast recipes. I started making this simple Maharashtrian dish about a year ago, and it has quickly become a regular part of my breakfast rotation. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this onion potato poha comes together in under 30 minutes and makes a satisfying start to the day.
What Is Poha?
Poha, also known as flattened rice, is a popular Indian breakfast and snack ingredient. It is made by flattening parboiled rice into thin flakes, resulting in a light texture that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
One of the reasons I enjoy cooking with poha is its soft, fluffy texture and ease of digestion. It is relatively low in calories compared to many traditional breakfast options and can be prepared with a wide variety of seasonings and vegetables.
For the best texture, I soak the poha in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking. When I want it extra fluffy, I steam it in my rice cooker for an additional 10 minutes after cooking.
Poha (Flattened Rice)
Easy Kanda Aloo Poha
“Kanda” is the Marathi word for onion, and “aloo” means potato. Although this classic Maharashtrian poha recipe includes several ingredients, it is named after these two key ingredients.
I love the combination of flavors and textures in Kanda Aloo Poha. Crunchy peanuts add richness, while fresh lime juice brings a tangy flavor. Green chilies provide just the right amount of heat, and a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Turmeric gives the dish its vibrant yellow color and adds a subtle earthy flavor of its own.
I finish the poha with fresh cilantro, which adds freshness and completes this simple, comforting, and flavorful breakfast dish.
Poha is light, easy to digest, and relatively low in calories. Peanuts provide plant-based protein and healthy fats, while turmeric adds antioxidant benefits. Fresh herbs, onions, and potatoes contribute fiber and essential nutrients, making this a wholesome and satisfying breakfast.
More Healthy Indian Breakfast Recipes:
- Healthy Quinoa Dosa
- Wholesome, Spicy, Sprouts Dosa
- Pesarattu-Green Mung Crepe
- No Ferment Cabbage-Onion Dosa
- Multigrain Dosa
- Rava Dosa
- Delicious Veggie Poha Upma
- Vermicelli Upma
- Sooji Upma
- Cracked Wheat Vegetable Upma
- Soft Kefir-Quinoa-Rawa Idli
- Plain & Veggie Multigrain Idli
- Delicious Steamed Veggie Upma
- Dibba Rotti – Savory Lentil Pancake
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Easy Kanda Aloo Poha Recipe
Ingredients
Tempering
- 1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 10-12 Leaves Curry Leaves
Main
- 2 Cups Poha - Flattened rice
- 1/4 Cup Peanuts - With skin
- 1 Pepper Green Chili Pepper - Small to medium or to taste
- 1/2 Cup Onion - Fine cut
- 1/2 Cup Potato - Fine cut
- 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - Or to taste
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Bran Oil
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro - Fine cut
- 1 Teaspoon Lime Juice - Or to taste
Instructions
- Make sure you have all the key ingredients set up and ready to go: Poha, peanuts, curry leaves, mustard and cumin seeds, green chili pepper, onion, potato, cilantro.
- Before you start cooking, soak poha in a bowl of warm water for at least 10 minutes. Drain water and set it aside.
- Add oil to a pan on medium heat. Add peanuts once the oil is hot. Cook till they turn slightly brown and set them aside.
- In the same oil, add tempering ingredients. Once the seeds start to splutter, add turmeric, chili peppers, onion and potato. Give it a stir, add salt and cook till for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Add soaked poha and mix well. Turn off the heat, add lime juice, cilantro, roasted peanuts and mix well.
- Transfer to a bowl. Serve hot.
