#26 best seller · Pantry Staples · Aara
Poha (Thick Flattened Rice)
Ten-minute breakfast, no soaking overnight, no excuses on a Monday morning.
Poha is proof that Indian breakfast doesn't need to be complicated. Rinse, soften, temper, top with peanuts and lime — the whole thing is done before your chai finishes steeping.
It's a Maharashtrian staple that's spread across the country as the fastest, most forgiving weekday breakfast in the Indian repertoire, and it's one of the few Indian pantry items that even non-Indian coworkers ask us to bring extra of.
Thick vs thin poha — pick the right one
Thick (moti) poha holds its shape and texture after rinsing, which is exactly what kanda poha needs — soft but not mushy. Thin (patli) poha is better suited for chivda and snack mixes that stay crunchy.
If a recipe just says 'poha' without specifying, thick is almost always the safer default for a cooked breakfast dish.
Kanda poha, step by step
Rinse poha briefly in a strainer under running water until soft — do not soak it, it turns to paste.
Temper mustard seed, curry leaf, turmeric, chopped onion and green chilli in oil, add the poha, toss gently, cover for two minutes on low heat.
Finish with lime juice, chopped coriander, and a scatter of sev or roasted peanuts.
Beyond breakfast
Batata poha with potato cubes added for a heartier version, and dahi poha for hot summer days when even that ten minutes feels like too much cooking.
Ravi's quick tips
- •Rinse, don't soak — over-wet poha turns into a gluey mess.
- •Always add lime juice off the heat so the acidity stays bright.
- •Store in an airtight container; poha absorbs pantry odors quickly.
- •Roasted peanuts on top aren't optional in most households — they're the reason people finish the bowl.
Frequently asked
What is poha made from?
Poha is parboiled rice that's flattened and dried, which is why it rehydrates so quickly with just a rinse rather than boiling.
Is poha gluten-free?
Yes, poha is rice-based and naturally gluten-free, though always check for cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.
How long does dry poha last in the pantry?
Several months in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot — check the package date for the exact best-by window.
Will Fox Valley Bazaar stock thick poha at launch?
Yes, it's on our opening pantry staples list for the Appleton store.
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