Poha, the cajun style- with accompaniments

Poha is probably one of the most common breakfast preparation in Indian households, especially in Western Indian. For this month's second potluck, cyber style, I was paired with Nivedita and was to prepare poha infused with red spices. I have adapted the recipe, substituting few ingredients. I must say, this version turned out to be super delicious and was a big hit with my hubby! Thanks Nivedita :) I have assembled poha and its accompaniments in a new avatar, giving it a fresh look and enhanced taste. Hope you will enjoy making this version.

Recipe- makes for 3-4 people
Ingredients:

1+1/4 cup poha (flattened or beaten rice)
1-2 tsp brown sugar
2 pinches turmeric powder
juice from 1/2 medium sized lemon
1 green chilli, roughly chopped
salt to taste

1 medium onion, cut in julienne
2-3 small potatoes, par boiled.
1-2 tbsp peanuts, shallow fried / roasted 
2 pinches of hing (asafoetida)
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp urad dal
few curry leaves
1-1.5 tbsp oil 
1 green chilli, roughly chopped


2 tsp Cajun spice
1-2 tsp Spanish paprika
1-2 tbsp finely chopped coriander
1 tbsp freshly grated /ground coconut
Method:
1. Wash the poha thoroughly in a colander and keep aside for 5-10 minutes.

2. Now add salt, brown sugar, lemon juice, turmeric powder and chopped green chilli. Mix well and let it marinate for a while.

3. In the meantime, cut the par-boiled potatoes into thin slices and arrange on a baking tray. Baking tray should be lightly brushed with oil. Sprinkle salt and Cajun spice on the slices. Bake in a pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes at 180 degree celcius or till they turn golden brown.

4.  In another non-stick pan, shallow-fry peanuts and onions one after the other. Keep them aside.

5. Now heat 1-1.5 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan. Add hing, mustard seeds and urad dal. Add chilli once the seeds start crackling. Add curry leaves and Spanish paprika. Saute the mix for 30 seconds or so.

6. Now mix the marinated poha. Add Cajun spice, and half the chopped coriander. Mix well and cook on medium flame for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon if you like. Top the poha with some fresh corainder, coconut, sev and fried onions. & peanuts.

7. Assemble as you wish.

 

The Cajun styled poha is infused with wonderful flavours of Cajun spices and Indian masalas. This lighlty sweet and spicy poha is a definite addition to my breakfast menu.For now, it is going to potluck party, cyber style at Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey.