Introduction
Lemon poha is a light, comforting dish made with flattened rice gently seasoned with spices, citrus, and crunchy peanuts. It is popular as a quick breakfast or light lunch and is especially loved for its fresh, tangy flavour.
This recipe works very well for home cooking because it is fast, economical, and does not require soaking or long preparation. With clear steps and simple ingredients, it is ideal for beginners and busy family kitchens.
Recipe Information
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4
Difficulty level: Easy
Ingredients
Main ingredients
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2½ cups thick poha flattened rice
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½ cup raw peanuts
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
Tempering and flavouring
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2 tablespoons oil
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½ teaspoon mustard seeds
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½ teaspoon cumin seeds
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8 to 10 curry leaves
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1 green chilli, finely chopped
Seasoning
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¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
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Salt to taste
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1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
To finish
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2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Method
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Place the poha in a colander and rinse quickly under running water. Gently fluff with your fingers and set aside to soften for 5 minutes.
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Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
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Add the peanuts and cook, stirring regularly, until they turn golden and crisp. Remove them from the pan and keep aside.
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In the same pan, add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
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Add cumin seeds and curry leaves, letting them crackle for a few seconds.
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Stir in the chopped onion and green chilli. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
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Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
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Lower the heat and add the softened poha. Stir gently to coat evenly with the seasoning.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavours to combine.
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Switch off the heat, sprinkle over the fried peanuts, lemon juice, and chopped coriander. Mix gently and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
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Use thick poha to prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
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Rinse poha quickly and do not soak it for long.
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Always add lemon juice after turning off the heat to keep the flavour fresh.
Variations
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Less spicy: Reduce or skip the green chilli.
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With vegetables: Add finely chopped carrot or green peas with the onions.
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Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lemon poha hot with a cup of tea for breakfast or as a light evening meal. It also pairs well with plain yoghurt or fresh fruit on the side.
Storage and Reheating
Lemon poha is best eaten fresh.
If needed, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat gently in a pan on low heat. Add a few drops of water if it feels dry.
