Tamarind Poha (Puli-Aval)
Poha is 'beaten' rice. It is very rich in iron, since it is made by rolling rice on iron rollers and it absorbs iron in the process. We need to add vegetables to poha to balance it with the other required nutrition that it misses.
This is a simple recipe of poha cooked with veggies in a mild tamarind sauce. The tanginess in this poha makes it very delicious. When I feel like eating Tamarind Rice or Puliogare , but my my 400 calorie-dinner-diet won't let me to do so , this is what I go for to satiate my craving.
Serving Size : Server 2 for Dinner/ Breakfast
Ingredients :
Thick Poha or Beaten Rice - 5 Cups.
Red Chillies - 3 medium**
Sesame Oil - 3 Tbsp.
turmeric - 1 pinch
Salt - as per taste.
Tamarind Paste - 2 Tbsp.
Onion - 1 medium.
Water - 3/4 Cup.
Seasoning :
mustard seeds - 1 tsp.
fenugreek - 4 to 5
Ground Nuts - 8-10
Channa Dal - 1 Tbsp.
Curry Leaves - 4 to 5
Vegetables (Optional but Recommended):
Beans - 10-12
Carrots - 2-3
Peas - few
Potatoes - 1 medium
Preparation :
Time - 2 min
1. Soak the poha in water for just 2 min. Drain the water and squeeze out as much water from poha as possible.
Alternatively you can wash poha in running water for about 3 to 4 times till it turns soft and squeeze out
excess water.
Method :
Cooking Time : 10 min.
1. Heat the Oil in a heavy bottomed pan, add the mustard seeds once its slightly hot and let them splutter.
2. Add the Items under 'Seasoning' and fry till the ground nuts and dhal turn golden brown.
3. Add the onions and fry till it turns translucent.
4. Add all the other vegetables and sprinkle water on it and let it get cooked, you can cover for 2-3 min until they are done.
5. Add the salt, turmeric powder and the water. Dissolve the tamarind paste in this water.
6. Let it come to a nice boil, when the water evaporates to about half the initial quantity that you poured, add the poha. this will take a couple of minutes in high flame.
7. Mix the poha well and cover it for a minute.
A very tasty , light and nutritious dinner/breakfast is ready in no time !
**Notes
1. This can slo be made with Thin Poha.
2. Red chillies can be replaced by green chillies.
3. Tamarind paste quantity can be adjusted according to your taste buds.
