If you had to name the most popular breakfast options in India, poha would definitely be on that list. A light yet nutritious food, poha holds a constant place in almost every regional cuisine. While in Maharashtra it is called Kanda Poha, the version you get in Madhya Pradesh is called Indori Poha. Then in West Bengal it is called Chirer Polao. Not only this. You will also find people who make their own dishes using semolina, bread, oats etc. in place of poha (flattened rice). In whatever form you have the dish, poha wins hearts with its comforting taste and light texture. One of our favorite versions for breakfast is Vegetable Poha. It’s fuss-free, tastes good and helps you include some healthy green vegetables in your diet.
But making perfect poha is not as easy as it seems. If you pay attention, you’ll often find it becoming either too dry or too mushy, both of which make the dish tasteless. If you also face the same problem, then you must read this article before planning to make poha next time. We have compiled a list of some tried and tested tips that will definitely help you make perfectly soft and fluffy veg poha at home every time.
Also read: Do you like poha? 7 ways to make it tasty and healthy
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Here are 6 tried and tested tips to make soft and moist veg poha:
1. Choose the right type of Poha:
If you do research, you will find different types of Poha in the market. Always try to eat thicker ones as they are easier to handle and cook. The thin and flaky poha becomes mushy and loses its texture as soon as it comes in contact with water.
2. Do not soak poha in water for too long:
Although it is important to clean the poha thoroughly before adding it to the pan, soaking it for too long makes the dish soggy. It is always advisable to wash it under running water and immediately add it to the pan.
3. Do not consume too much vegetables:
We agree that this is one of the best ways to include vegetables in your diet, but include them in the right amounts. For example, if you are using one cup of poha, try not to add more than half a cup of vegetables to it. Adding too many vegetables spoils the appearance, flavor and taste of the dish.
4. Avoid overcooking vegetables:
We all love the crunchy texture of vegetables. Correct? To maintain this, always fry the vegetables on high flame and add salt at the end. Adding salt while cooking causes vegetables to lose water, making them soggy and tasteless.
5. Always cook on medium flame:
How you cook your food also has a huge impact on the end product. While cooking Poha on high flame increases the risk of it burning, keeping the flame low makes the dish soggy. After putting poha in the pan, always keep your gas stove on medium flame. This will not only make the poha soft and fluffy but will also help in keeping it moist.
6. Steam the poha before turning off the flame:
When you feel your food is cooked, reduce the flame, close the lid of the pan and let it steam for about one to two minutes. This will help add flavor and texture to your food.
Also read: Quick Breakfast: This Delicious Microwave Poha Recipe Will Save Your Time
Photo Credit: iStock
How to make Vegetable Poha for Breakfast:
Now that you have the tips, we suggest you follow them and prepare a delicious plate of vegetable poha for yourself. To make Vegetable Poha, first prepare the tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves and red chillies. Finally add vegetables and cook with some salt. Then add poha to it and add salt, sugar and turmeric powder to it. Finally, add coconut, lemon juice and give it a final mix. Garnish with sev and freshly chopped coriander and serve hot. And you have hot and delicious vegetable poha to taste. Click here for the recipe.
Can you cook soft and fluffy vegetarian poha in a microwave oven?
Today, you will find a microwave oven version of the recipe in every dish to save time, effort and energy. Poha can also be cooked in the microwave oven without much effort. Actually, making it in the oven will eliminate the risk of the poha becoming too dry or wet. To make regular poha, you first need to microwave the oil and spices, then add the onions and microwave again. Finally, add the poha and microwave for the last time for about three minutes. That’s it. Now, if you want to add some vegetables to it, we suggest baking the vegetables first and then adding them to the dish.
What are you waiting for? Prepare moist and fluffy vegetarian poha at home and enjoy!
