Vegetable poha is one of the most loved Indian breakfast dishes. It is light on the stomach, quick to prepare, and full of nutrition. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, kids, elders, and anyone who wants a healthy homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- What Is Vegetable Poha
- Why Vegetable Poha Is a Healthy Choice
- Ingredients Required for Vegetable Poha
- Preparation Before Cooking
- Step-by-Step Vegetable Poha Recipe
- Step 2: Cook Vegetables
- Step 3: Add Spices and Poha
- Step 4: Final Touch
- Total Cooking Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage Tips
- Why This Recipe Is Beginner Friendly
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
In this blog, you will learn how to make vegetable poha in a very simple and clear way. Everything is explained in detail, including ingredients, exact quantities, cooking time, and the full method. All steps are written in easy English so anyone can follow them comfortably.
What Is Vegetable Poha
Vegetable poha is made using flattened rice cooked with vegetables, spices, and peanuts. It is popular across India because it cooks fast and provides instant energy. Poha is naturally light and easy to digest, which makes it ideal for breakfast or a light evening meal.
Adding vegetables increases fiber, vitamins, and overall nutrition.
Why Vegetable Poha Is a Healthy Choice
Vegetable poha is low in oil, easy to digest, and rich in iron and carbohydrates. It keeps you full without feeling heavy. When cooked at home, you can control oil, salt, and spice level easily.
This dish is also budget-friendly and can be prepared using simple kitchen ingredients.
Ingredients Required for Vegetable Poha
Below is a clear table showing what to add and how much to use.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thick poha (flattened rice) | 2 cups | Do not use thin poha |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Potato | 1 small | Finely chopped |
| Green peas | ¼ cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Carrot | 1 small | Chopped |
| Peanuts | 2 tablespoons | Raw or roasted |
| Green chili | 1 small | Optional |
| Mustard seeds | ½ teaspoon | For tempering |
| Curry leaves | 8–10 | Optional but recommended |
| Turmeric powder | ¼ teaspoon | For color |
| Salt | As per taste | |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon | Optional |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Added at the end |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons | Any cooking oil |
| Fresh coriander | 2 tablespoons | For garnish |
Preparation Before Cooking
Before starting the cooking process, a few preparation steps are important.
Preparation Table
| Step | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Wash poha | 2 minutes | Rinse gently, drain water |
| Rest poha | 5 minutes | Let it soften |
| Chop vegetables | 10 minutes | Keep everything ready |
Poha should be soft but not mushy. If it feels dry, sprinkle a little water and mix gently.
Step-by-Step Vegetable Poha Recipe
Step 1: Heat Oil and Add Tempering
Heat oil in a wide pan on medium flame. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add peanuts and roast them until light golden. Add curry leaves and green chili.
Tempering Details
| Action | Flame | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Heat oil | Medium | 1 minute |
| Roast peanuts | Medium | 2 minutes |
Step 2: Cook Vegetables
Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add potato, carrot, and peas. Sprinkle a little salt, cover, and cook until vegetables become soft.
Vegetable Cooking Table
| Vegetable | Time | Flame |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 2–3 minutes | Medium |
| Potato & carrot | 5–6 minutes | Medium-low |
Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Add Spices and Poha
Add turmeric powder and mix well. Now add softened poha, salt, and sugar. Mix gently so the poha does not break.
Mixing Details
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Add spices | 30 seconds |
| Mix poha | 2 minutes |
Cover and cook on low flame for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touch
Switch off the flame. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander. Mix gently.
Final Step Table
| Action | Time |
|---|---|
| Lemon & garnish | 1 minute |
Your vegetable poha is now ready to serve.
Total Cooking Time
| Process | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 15 minutes |
| Total | 30 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable poha tastes best when served hot. You can serve it with curd, coconut chutney, or a cup of tea. It is also perfect for lunchboxes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using thin poha can make the dish mushy. Adding too much water while washing poha can spoil texture. Cooking on high flame after adding poha can dry it out quickly.
Always mix gently and cook on low flame.
Storage Tips
Vegetable poha is best eaten fresh. However, you can store leftovers.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Same day |
| Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours |
Reheat on pan with a few drops of water.
Why This Recipe Is Beginner Friendly
This recipe uses simple ingredients, minimal spices, and clear steps. Tables make it easy to understand what to add, how long to cook, and when to stop. Anyone can prepare this dish without stress.
For more simple, Indian-friendly home recipes like this, visit myfirstrecipe.com where cooking is explained in a clear and practical way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make poha without vegetables?
Yes, but vegetables increase nutrition and taste.
Is poha good for weight management?
Yes, when cooked with less oil and more vegetables.
Can kids eat vegetable poha?
Yes, it is soft, healthy, and easy to digest.
Which poha is best for this recipe?
Thick poha works best.
Can I add peanuts later?
Yes, but roasting them early gives better taste.
Final Thoughts
Vegetable poha is a perfect example of simple Indian food that is healthy, tasty, and quick to prepare. With the right method and ingredients, you can make a delicious breakfast in just 30 minutes.
