Batata (Aloo) Poha

This is a well loved, simple yet tasty dish that comes together really quickly and as I understand is something that is often made during fasting. Though this is not something that my mom made, I first tasted it when a neighbour of mine (who spent a lot of her younger years in several parts of North India) made it for me - yummy. Now, this is something I often make for my daughter & me to enjoy.

BATATA (Aloo) POHA


Ingredients:
Poha/Aval - 1 cup, (I use thick) rinsed, drained and allowed to rest for 10 to 15 mins
Onions - 1/4 cup, chopped (Optional)
Potato - 1 medium, boiled, peeled and cubed
Peas, Carrots - 1/4 cup each (Optional)
Green Chillies - 4 to 5 (to taste), slit vertically
Coriander leaves - 2 tbsp, chopped
Shredded coconut - 1 tbsp (optional)
Lemon juice - to taste (garnish)
Turmeric powder - half tsp
Salt - to taste
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds - half tsp
Cumin seeds - half tsp

Method:
1) Fluff the poha with a fork and ensure that they have softened. Be gentle with them.

2) Heat oil in a pan and season with mustard and cumin seeds, then toss in the onions and green chillies and saute. Next the veggies go in along with turmeric powder and salt. Saute until they get cooked. Sprinkle a little water and cover if they are too crunchy.

3) When the veggies are sauteed toss in the Poha along with 1 tbsp of the coriander leaves and stir gently until well coated with the masala. Taste and adjust seasonings.

4) Stir in the lemon juice and shredded cococnut. Yummy poha is now ready.

This is my 2nd entry to Mahima's 15 minute Cooking event which focusses on quick & tasty food.