Poha aur Chai, Staple breakfast to satiate the soul !

A lazy Sunday morning with no agenda, I am hungry and instead of the usual pancake for my daughter I decide to give a break to my intermittent fasting and cook something for my soul ;) 

Yes, it leads me to my childhood, yesteryears of growing up in India when Poha used to be an everyday breakfast/ snack item. Available in abundance in every household or restaurants specially in Mumbai. 

Poha, Chai and fresh mango

Lets start with Chai (Masala Chai, Tea, Kadak Chai, Adrak/ Elaichi/ Tulsi wali kadak chai)

Ingredients for 2 cups:

Tea bags/ loose leaves ( I used PG Tips): 2 bags

*Fresh root ginger: 1-2 inch piece grated ( as little or more depending on your desired taste)

*Cardamom: 1 pod smashed, or use 1 pinch of grounded powder

*Basil/ tulsi leaves: 1-2 leaves/ powder

*Milk: 2 tablespoons/ as per your preference 

*Sugar: 1teaspoon/ as per taste

*Optionals

Chai/Tea - the colour I prefer, some like it stronger (darker , less milk). Some like it lighter (more milk or less tea leaves)

Steps:

1. Boil 2.5 cups water +2 teabags +grated ginger +Tulsi leaves in a saucepan

2. When boiling for 2-3 minutes, add the cardamom + milk + sugar if using. Let is boil for another 1-2 minutes. 

That's it just sieve the tea into mugs and enjoy it hot!

Note: If you leave it boiling for too long it will become stronger/ bitter. 

Poha

Poha is flat rice ( preboiled, flattened and dried), you get 2 versions in Asian stores the thin or thick variety. Use either tastes equally good :). As its rice its easy to digest and can be had when stomach is a bit upset. 

Raw poha

Ingredients (2-4 servings ):

• Poha flakes: 1cup
• Potatoes: 2 medium size
• Green peas: 1/2 cup (I used frozen)
• Onions: 1 medium size
• salt as per taste
• Turmeric powder

Seasoning: 

• Mustard/ Olive oil ( 1 tablespoon), 
• Curry leaves (4-5), 
• Jeera/ Cumin seeds(1 teaspoon), 
• Rai/Mustard seeds(1 teaspoon), 
• Heeng/ asefoetida (1 pinch)
• Green chillies: 2
• Ginger: 2 inches grated
• *Peanuts: handful

*Optionals

Garnish:

• Coriander leaves: washed and chopped1/4 cup
• Fresh lemon/ lime juice

Steps:

1. Soak the poha in water in a saucepan for 2-3 mins. I usually wash it once/ twice to get any dust washed out. Let it then sit in a collander/ Sieve while you prepare the rest, this allows the excess water to dry and get absorbed making the poha light and fluffy.
2. In a non-stick cooking deep pan ( kadhai), head the oil, when hot add the seasoning items and let them fry for few minutes.
3. Add potatoes, peas, salt, turmeric and mix and cover with a lid.. Let it cook on a low flame till potatoes are soft. Can take 5-7 mins, keep checking after 3-4 mins and turn it around to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom.
4. Add the poha, mix it well, add some more salt. Switch off the gas. Add the lemon juice and coriander. Serve and enjoy it hot!

Poha