Poha Power: A Delicious and Light Breakfast (Poha Calories Included!)

Poojatanawade
3 min readMay 2, 2024

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Poha, also known as flattened rice, is a staple breakfast dish in many Indian households. But its appeal goes beyond just tradition. Poha is not only delicious and versatile, but it’s also packed with health benefits and surprisingly low in poha calories.

What is Poha?

Poha is made from parboiled rice that’s been flattened into flakes. This process makes it incredibly easy to digest, perfect for mornings when you’re short on time. Plus, it’s a naturally gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.

Benefits of Poha:

  • Low in poha calories: A typical serving of poha clocks in at around 200 calories, making it a light and healthy breakfast choice.
  • Rich in Iron: Poha is a good source of iron, which helps combat fatigue and promotes healthy blood flow.
  • Good source of Fiber: The fiber content in poha keeps you feeling full for longer and aids in digestion.
  • Quick and Easy to Prepare: Poha requires minimal cooking time, making it a perfect breakfast option for busy mornings.
  • Versatile: Poha can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. We’ll explore a delicious recipe below!

Light and Delicious Poha Recipe

Kanda Poha (Spicy Potato Poha):

This flavorful recipe takes your basic poha to a whole new level!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Thick Poha
  • 1 medium Potato (diced)
  • 1 Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 Green chili (chopped)
  • 1 tsp Curry leaves
  • 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • Peanuts (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves and green chili.
  2. Add onions and saute until translucent.
  3. Add diced potatoes and cook until tender.
  4. Add rinsed poha and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes.
  5. Season with salt and garnish with chopped peanuts (optional).

Poha Calories in this recipe come in around 250–300 depending on the amount of oil used.

FAQs

How many calories are in poha?

A basic serving of poha has around 200 calories. However, the exact number can vary depending on the ingredients added.

Is poha good for weight loss?

Due to its low poha calories and high fiber content, poha can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet.

What are some healthy toppings for poha?

You can add chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers for extra nutrients. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a refreshing touch.

How much poha is in a typical serving?

There isn’t a universally agreed-upon serving size for poha. A typical bowl can range from 1 cup (around 150g) to 2 cups (around 278g). Be mindful of your portion and how it fits into your daily calorie goals.

Conclusion

Poha is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile breakfast option. With its low poha calories and ease of preparation, poha is a perfect way to start your day fueled and ready to go! So next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, give poha a try!

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