Healthy Breakfast Series | Recipe: Maharashtrian Dadpe (Red) Pohe

No-cook, fresh & flavour-packed breakfast or evening snack

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 5 minutes (for tempering)

🍽 Serves: 2

🧺 Ingredients

• 1 cup thick poha (flattened rice) – white or red variety

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped

• 2–3 tbsp freshly grated coconut (optional)

• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt, to taste

• ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances flavours)

For the tempering (tadka):

• 1 tbsp oil (preferably groundnut oil)

• ½ cup peanuts

• ½ tsp mustard seeds

• 4–5 curry leaves

• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)

🥣 Instructions

1. Moisten the Poha

• Place poha in a large mixing bowl.

• Sprinkle about 2–3 tbsp of water and mix gently with your hands until the poha softens slightly.

• Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes — it should be soft, not soggy.

2. Mix the Base

• Add onion, green chillies, coconut, roasted peanuts, coriander, salt, and sugar.

• Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

3. Prepare the Tempering

• Heat oil in a small pan.

• Add mustard seeds, let them splutter, then add curry leaves and a pinch of hing.

• Add the peanuts and roast.

• Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

4. Combine Everything

• Pour the hot tempering over the poha mixture.

• Add lemon juice and mix well.

• Cover and let it rest for 2–3 minutes so the flavours meld together (“dadpne” means to press/infuse in Marathi).

5. Serve

• Serve fresh, garnished with a bit more grated coconut or coriander if desired.

• Pairs beautifully with a cup of masala chai.

💡 Tips

• Use thick poha — thin poha will become mushy when moistened.

• Adjust chilli to your spice level; a mild version works well for breakfast.

• You can add grated carrot, cucumber, or pomegranate seeds for freshness.

• For extra crunch, sprinkle sev or roasted chana dal on top before serving.

🌾 Why It Works for Breakfast

Dadpe Pohe is light, hydrating, and full of texture — soft poha, crunchy peanuts, and the freshness of coconut and lemon. It’s a no-cook, quick, and cooling recipe that perfectly fits warm Indian mornings.