Poha

It is common not only in the cuisines of Maharashtra and Gujarati, but also in many other regions of India. In most areas, Poha is prepared in a similar way.

Poha (rice) is a dehusked rice that is flattened into flat light dry flakes (also called beaten rice).

In the Malwa region, they are most commonly referred to as “Pohe” and are also regarded as originating in the Malwa region itself.

Poha is a nutritious meal. Nutritionists recognize the elevated nutrient value of poha and propose it as one of the healthiest Indian breakfasts. It is a good source of fibre-rich, iron-packed carbohydrates, a good source of antioxidants and essential vitamins, and is gluten-free.

It is available in two varieties: Thick Poha and Thin Poha. The thick one comparatively takes longer to absorb water and does not get mushy unless long soaked in water, so it is suitable for Vegetable Poha

Flattening rice process:

The rice is soaked in water overnight to make it at home, then flattened, then dried. The rice is threshed, then soaked, roasted, then hulled and polished to make it commercially usable, then rolled to make it smooth, then sieved and dried.

It can be purchased in thick or thin variety from any grocery store. There’s a long shelf life for Poha up to 3 months or longer, it may remain healthy. A fast and easy tea time snack made with poha (flattened rice), dry fruits, peanuts, and spices is called Chivda or Poha Chivda. There are several variants of making this famous snack, also known as farsan or namkeen.

It is believed that the Holkars and Scindias from Maharashtra came to Madhya Pradesh, where the dish is popular. You will find traditional dishes such as shrikhand and poha in Madhya Pradesh because of this.

It is a good source of healthy carbohydrates. It contains about 76.9 percent of carbohydrates and about 23 percent of fats make up Poha. It is also a perfect breakfast meal, as these healthy carbs provide the body with energy to conduct its daily functions.

Many lifestyle diseases are also effectively avoided by fibre-rich flattened rice. In their daily diet, diabetic individuals should include poha because it facilitates a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. For those who are on a special diet, it is a perfect breakfast dish.

Constipation is also prevented. Poha is also good breakfast snack for tiffin. Do try this recipe for simple, yet tasty Poha!