Go Back
–+ servings
recipe served in a plate

Matar Poha

Matar poha is a popular Indian breakfast dish made from flattened rice (poha) and cooked green peas (matar). It’s typically sautéed with onions, green chilies, mustard seeds, and turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow color.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 Serving
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 2 Cup Poha (flattened rice)
  • 1 Cup Green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 Large onion, finely chopped
  • 1-2 Green chilies, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • A pinch of turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • A handful of roasted peanuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Poha

  • At first, rinse the poha under cold water until it softens.

Sauté Spices and Vegetables

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; once they start to splutter, add 1 finely chopped onion and 1-2 chopped green chilies. Cook until the onions turn golden brown.
  • Another key point is to sauté the onions until they are well caramelized for maximum flavor.

Cook the Peas

  • Add 1 cup of green peas to the pan.
  • In this case, if using frozen peas, cook them a bit longer until they are fully thawed and tender.

Combine Poha and Season

  • Add the softened poha to the pan. Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix gently to combine everything well, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Final Touches

  • At last, turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves for garnish. What’s more, you can also add a handful of roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

Notes

Variations

    • If you like spice, you can make a spicier version of Matar Poha by adding red chili powder or garam masala. This will give the dish an extra kick and make it even more flavorful!
    • If you’d like to make it heartier, you can add chopped potatoes and cook them until they’re tender before mixing in the peas.
    • If you prefer a tangier flavor, simply add some extra lemon juice or a splash of tamarind paste.
    • You can garnish your dish with pomegranate seeds or fresh coconut, which adds a fun twist to the traditional recipe!

Pro-Tips

1. When you rinse the poha, be gentle and soak it for just a short time. If you soak it too long, it can become mushy.
2. Fresh or well-thawed green peas add natural sweetness and a bright color to the dish. If you’re using frozen peas, make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking.
3. Sauté the onions until they are golden brown. You can even add a pinch of sugar to help them caramelize faster.
4. Remember to adjust the salt and spices after mixing in the poha. The flattened rice can absorb flavors quickly, so taste as you go!
5. Sprinkle roasted peanuts on top for a tasty crunch. Lightly roasting the peanuts in the pan first will make them even more flavor

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Matar Poha
Amount per Serving
Calories
260
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Sodium
 
500
mg
22
%
Potassium
 
400
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
40
g
13
%
Fiber
 
6
g
25
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
100
IU
2
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
 
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.3
mg
3
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.1
mg
5
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Vitamin E
 
0.5
mg
3
%
Vitamin K
 
3
µg
3
%
Calcium
 
40
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!