Exposing OVERRATED Street Food of Nagpur

Ingredients

• 2 cups Flattened Rice (Poha) (medium‑grain, rinsed and drained)
• 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 medium Potato (peeled and diced ½‑inch cubes)
• 2 Green Chili (slit lengthwise, seeds optional)
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 10 Curry Leaves (fresh)
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tbsp Peanuts (roasted, coarsely crushed)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• to taste Salt
• ¼ cup Water (for softening poha)
• 1 tbsp Saoji Masala (store‑bought or homemade (coriander, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, sesame seeds, dried red chilies))

Instructions

1. Rinse and Drain Poha

   Place the poha in a large bowl, rinse under cold running water, gently stir, and drain. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften; it should be fluffy, not soggy.

   Time: PT5M

2. Prepare Vegetables

   Thinly slice the onion, dice the potato, slit the green chilies, and chop the coriander.

   Time: PT5M

3. Temper Spices

   Heat oil in the pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds; when they pop, add curry leaves, green chilies, and Saoji masala. Stir for 30 seconds.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium heat

4. Cook Potatoes and Onions

   Add diced potatoes and sliced onions to the pan. Sprinkle turmeric and salt. Cover and cook for 5‑6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are just tender.

   Time: PT6M

   Temperature: Medium heat

5. Add Poha

   Add the softened poha, water, and remaining salt. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the poha is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Cook uncovered for 3‑4 minutes, stirring lightly.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium heat

6. Finish and Garnish

   Turn off the heat. Sprinkle roasted peanuts, chopped coriander, and lemon juice. Give a final gentle toss.

   Time: PT2M

7. Serve

   Transfer the poha to serving plates. Serve hot with a side of tea or buttermilk as enjoyed in Nagpur street stalls.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

5 g