My cousin Koka visited our home for the first time on Tuesday…. As Krishnan and I went to pick him and his daughter at the station, I carried some home made Poha with me. While his daughter ate some of it, Koka refused to eat it so a whole box full came back home. Amma also had eaten a small portion, so we had sufficient quantity of Poha as leftovers.
Since Masterchef Australia season 16 is being aired at this time, all dishes at home are getting “elevated” :):). Ofcourse am no expert at plating and can’t imagine plating up some of the dishes like the contestants. But out of the blue, I got this idea of elevating the humble Poha.
I had a tiny quantity of Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Pachadi in the fridge. Ever since my friend Geetu showed my mother the combination of eating Poha with Bhujia, there is sufficient quantity of Bhujia at home always. Since I had ordered some snacks, I had a lot of Saunth (sweet tamarind chutney). Here’s what I did to elevate the Poha –
Re-heated the Poha, placed a tablespoon of the Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Pachadi on top, then sprinkled some Bhujia, finally added a teaspoon of Saunth. It tasted great ! Even Amma, who usually complains about Lauki Pachadi ate it without protest.
Remember Poha has Flattened Rice, Peanuts, Onions, Green chillies and Potatoes. Spices – Turmeric, Mustard and Cumin. Herbs – Curry Leaves, Coriander. Many of us add lemon juice on top and also grated carrots. Do try making this elevated version … it’s just a few additions but it makes an already nutritious dish even more nutritionally dense.
#IndianFood #GoVegetarian
Superb idea! My kids refuse to eat poha without bhujia, much to my chagrin. Poha with “too many” veggies ( I like to add carrot, peas) are rejected as well. And I am always looking for new ways to eat lauki, so will definitely try this recipe!