Skip the morning chaos and make life easier with an instant poha premix. For bachelors or anyone juggling a packed schedule, quick and wholesome meal options can feel like a lifesaver.
With just a few minutes and some boiling water, you’ll have a hearty, nutritious breakfast or snack ready to go.
What is Instant Poha Premix?
Instant Poha Premix is a quick-cooking solution for one of India’s favorite breakfast dishes, poha. It’s a blend of all the key ingredients you’d typically use in traditional poha but in a convenient, ready-to-use form. For anyone with a hectic schedule, it takes the hassle out of chopping, sautéing, and measuring. All you need is some hot water, and in just a few minutes, you’ve got a flavorful, filling meal.
Poha from Scratch vs Instant Poha Premix
You might argue that even making poha from scratch is easy and takes only 15-20 minutes. I agree, but at times life gets busy or you are unable to cook and your family does not know how to cook. Recently I was sick and could not cook for at least a month. After a month too, I started with small things and needed such Quick recipes. I knew this and I had made a batch of Poha Premix, Upma Premix, and Sevai Premix.
They were so handy when I was not able to cook, and my husband had to juggle everything. But he and my child managed to give me fresh breakfast as well as have it themselves, as I kept the premix ready. Especially when you do not have any help and when you are out of India.
This Premix is also helpful when you are traveling and want a vegan and gluten-free breakfast or a healthy breakfast and especially when you do not eat onion or garlic or are unable to eat outside. And it is a boon for bachelor’s who are starting to learn cooking or for those who do not know any cooking at all.
For those juggling work, school, or other responsibilities, the benefits of pre-mixed poha are clear. There’s no need to chop, measure, or cook—it’s ideal for bachelors, busy parents, or anyone who dreads morning prep. It also cuts down on kitchen cleanup, freeing up more time for your busy day. Think of it as a shortcut to the same delicious taste, with no compromise on convenience.
Key Ingredients in Instant Poha Premix
Flattened Rice (Poha):
- This is the base ingredient. It’s steamed rice that has been flattened into thin, dry flakes. It’s not only easy to rehydrate but also highly nutritious, providing carbohydrates for energy without being heavy on the stomach.
Spices and Seasonings:
- From turmeric for that signature yellow color to mustard seeds and curry leaves for aroma, the spices are pre-blended to replicate the traditional poha flavor. I also add salt, red chili powder, and green chilies. The green chilies have to be cooked thoroughly, i.e. dehydrated so that the premix stays good.
Dehydrated Vegetables:
- To add nutrition and taste, many premixes include dehydrated onions, peas, or carrots. These veggies spring back to life when combined with hot water, giving instant poha the texture and nutrients you’d expect. However I skip adding this.
Other Add-ons:
- My premix also has roasted peanuts, which add crunch and protein. A squeeze of lemon juice after preparation can elevate the taste even further if you have it on hand.
Step-by-Step Preparation Process
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these simple steps to prepare your instant poha premix:
- Prepare the Tempering:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and let them sputter.
- Add in the peanuts and roast them until they start to change color and appear crunchy.
- Toss in the curry leaves, and green chilies. Stir for a few minutes until there is no moisture left.
- Mix Dry Spices:
- Reduce the heat and add turmeric powder, and red chili powder.
- Add the Poha:
- Now add the poha and salt. Roast this for 3-4 minutes until the poha starts to turn slightly crisp. Once done, set aside to cool. This step ensures the poha stays Combine Poha and Spices.
- Turn off the heat.
- Store the Premix:
- Transfer your poha premix to a clean, airtight container or a vacuum-sealed pouch for freshness. It’s now ready to use whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal!
When you’re ready to prepare, just take some of the premix, add hot water (enough to cover the poha), and let it sit covered for 10-15 minutes. Stir and enjoy!
Instant Poha Premix
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Poha — Medium or Thick Variety Flattened Rice
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 12-15 Curry leaves
- 3-4 Green chilies chopped
- ½ teaspoon Red chili Powder As per taste
- ¼ Cup Peanuts
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
Prepare the Tempering
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and let them sputter.1 tablespoon Oil, 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- Add in the peanuts and roast them on a medium stove until they start to change color and appear crunchy.¼ Cup Peanuts
- Toss in the curry leaves, and green chilies. Stir for a few minutes on a slow stove until there is no moisture left.12-15 Curry leaves, 3-4 Green chilies
Mix Dry Spices
- Reduce the heat and add turmeric powder, and red chili powder.1 teaspoon Turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon Red chili Powder
Add the Poha
- Now add the poha and salt. Roast this for 3-4 minutes until the poha starts to turn slightly crisp. Once done, set aside to cool. This step ensures the poha stays Combine Poha and Spices.4 Cups Poha, Salt as per taste
- Turn off the heat.
Store the Premix
- Transfer your poha premix to a clean, airtight container or a vacuum-sealed pouch for freshness. It’s now ready to use whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal!
Making Poha from Premix
- To prepare poha, add in hot water just above the level of poha in jar.
- Cover and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes or till all the water is absorbed by poha.
- Add lemon/lime juice if you have handy.
- Gently, fluff the poha to make sure the water has absorbed well.
- Serve and Enjoy.
Notes
- I have given the recipe just for 4 Cups which should be sufficient for 6 servings. You can double the recipe and store the premix for around a month at room temperature. (Do maintain Proper hygiene so that you do not have mold or rancid growth in the poha)
- When you add water, Do not add too much. In the start you might need to try with 1-2 small portions to understand how much water is soaked by the Poha.
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