FOOD : Break.. fast : Kande Pohe

Quintessentially Maharashtrian. I was introduced to Maharashtrian food fare, when I moved to Pune. Pune is another place I think is good for food, apart from my high thoughts about Bangalore and its gastronomical food channels.

Some of the ‘In Essence’ Maharashtrian breakfast options are Sabudana Khichdi, Kande Pohe and Missal Pav; Kande pohe however is ranked as the most favourite amongst the locals, as far as what I have seen. A usual Sunday breakfast is Kande Pohe amongst most of the Maharshtrian households.

Interestingly, the word Kande pohe is also associated with marriage talks. A traditional symbol attached to it, in any arranged marriage when a boy goes to the girl’s family, essentially KandePohe is served. So in a lighter frame of mind, if you have to ask a boy about how many girls he has met so far, then you voice it out as ‘How many times have u had Kande Pohe’. Such is the significance to this dish that takes less than 10 minutes to be prepared J, an all time snack with some Ginger Tea.

What you need is (for 2 people)

4 fistfuls of Beaten Rice (medium thickness, Pohe)

2 medium sized onions-finely chopped

4 green chillies-cut

2 spoons of Groundnuts

Mustard seeds-1 spoon

Jeera/Cumin-1/2 spoon

Turmeric-1/4 spoon

1 Potato-chopped thin or 1/2 cup Frozen Peas

½ cup Grated coconut

Coriander leaves-finely chopped

Salt- as per taste

Sugar-little

Oil-6-7 spoons

Procedure:

Before you start, Wash the Poha in cold water, clean and drain. Allow to rest.

In a wide Bottom pan, take about 6-7 spoons of Oil - add the groundnuts and allow them to get dark in color/pop up/Get crisp. (Basically-FRY them ;) ) Remove from oil and keep aside.

In the same oil, add Mustard seeds. Once they sputter add jeera (Reduce heat) and chillies. Add the Onions and when they are half done, add the potatoes/Peas into it, and cover for a while, till Potato/peas are cooked. Add turmeric and mix well. Add the Poha (if you find they have formed lumps after you drained out the water, separate them before adding into the pan). Add the Groundnuts, Salt and sugar and mix well. Cover the Poha and allow to cook for 5-6 minutes on Low heat. Remove lid, add the Grated Coconut and Coriander leaves. Give it a good final mix. (If you like and not mind being lenient, then you can add 1 spoon of Ghee in the end-I do it, so it’s completely your call).

So, next Sunday when you wake up late, ... or you have sudden guests You know what you can cook up. After all, Cooking ain’t so difficult also!!! Team it up with a Garam Chai ki Pyali, preferably with some Ginger/Lemon Grass!!! Awesomeness !!!