Poha | Aval Upma ~ Food Memory • The Magic Saucepan

Be it a celebratory occasion or a casual meeting at home, food is of paramount importance. A marriage function or a birthday party is a grand success only if the food served is also good. Food happens a lot in our life and we hold a strong propinquity with it. Many of our sublime and intimate memories are associated with food. It evokes the subconscious mind and jogs up memories, some good and some bad. It is always held close to heart.

This recipe in particular, jogs up an array of memories from my aesthetic years. It was pouring cats and dogs in Goa when I first stepped into my college. Finished the formalities, picked my room, freshened up and the first meal that was served to us that evening - Poha, on a cold rainy day with a hot cup of tea on the side. My dad was singing praises and mom was so relieved to see that I would survive the rest of the four years without any complaints. Everyone had the least idea that the first day meal was served to impress them - the parents, who accompanied their children. Even though that was the only day we had a good meal at all three times of the day, I must admit that we (students) were eagerly waiting for few of the dishes to be served often, like Methi Parathas on Tuesday mornings, Aloo curry and Channa masala on Wednesdays for lunch and this Poha on Thursdays.

These dishes were the only motivation for us to go and have the mess food. We enjoyed them and we used to rush to the mess to be first in the line, so that we get it hot and fresh out of the kitchen. This does not mean that they were of top quality nevertheless not bad when compared to other dishes prepared. Now whenever I see these dishes, I am instantly reminded of the lengthy, never ending, digressive table conversations we had. As for the recipe, it is a simple straight forward one. Few ingredients and minimum amount of time. This can be treated as a blank slate and you can improvise with any kind of flavours.

Poha | Aval Upma ~ Food Memory

A simple and a power boost breakfast.

Prep Time: 5 Mins | Cook Time: 12 Mins | Total Time: ^20 Mins | Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

2 Cups Thick Aval / Poha / Flattened Rice
½ Cup Chopped Onions
½ Cup diced Mixed veggies (carrots, potatoes, peas)
½ Cup diced Tomatoes
2-3 tablespoon Roasted peanuts

For Tempering

2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
½ teaspoon Mustard seeds
½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 teaspoon Channa Dahl
7-8 Curry leaves, torn
1-2 Long green chillies, slit lengthwise
1 teaspoon minced ginger

Instructions

Sprinkle water to coat the flattened rice and let them for about 10 minutes until it absorbs the water and softens. If there is excess water drain it. (1)
Meanwhile, heat a pan with oil over medium heat. Once smoking hot, reduce the heat and add the mustard seeds. Once it starts spluttering add the green chillies and curry leaves and stir quickly.
Then add the sliced onions and sauté until it turns translucent. Then add the flattened rice, turmeric powder and salt to taste. (2)
Quick stir for a minute or two. Adjust the seasoning and turn off the stove.

Serving

While serving, top it with some sev (optional) and serve it with coconut chutney or with some gravy on the side. Sometimes eating it alone might make your throat dry and choke. Minimum a raita or a chutney will do.

Notes

There are different kinds of flattened rice available. Some are thin flakes while some are thick. So if you get a thin one, just sprinkle some water enough to coat it wet. That should be enough. If it's thick, you can soak them completely. Check it the first time you use by starting with minimum water. If excess water is used, it might become sticky. The flakes should be loose and separate but softened.
You can also add cooked chickpeas to this dish giving it a boost. Cook them separately and add them before adding the flattened rice.