# Red Poha Upma: A Nutritious Breakfast Option to Include in Your Diet
## Overview of Red Poha
Red poha, also known as red rice flakes, serves as a healthy substitute for conventional white rice flakes. Produced from dehusked red rice that is processed into dried flakes, red poha preserves more nutrients, especially iron, making it a superior breakfast choice. This adaptable component goes by many names, such as flattened rice, beaten rice, poha, atukulu, aval, and avalakki. Its ease of digestion and impressive nutritional values make it a common item in numerous kitchens, particularly suitable for quick meals like tiffins or lunch boxes.
*Red poha or red rice flakes*
## Advantages of Red Poha
1. **Nutrient-Dense**: Rich in key nutrients, red poha primarily provides iron, essential for sustaining healthy blood levels and preventing anemia.
2. **Easily Digestible**: Being flattened, poha is simpler to digest than whole grains, making it appropriate for individuals of all ages.
3. **Flexible Ingredient**: Red poha can be incorporated into numerous recipes, giving you the chance to be creative in the kitchen while upholding a nutritious diet.
4. **Quick to Prepare**: Cooking with red poha is both swift and simple, rendering it an excellent option for hectic mornings.
## Why Opt for Red Poha Upma?
Among the quickest and most savory breakfast choices available is poha upma. This dish is not only tasty but also highly adaptable, permitting you to add a variety of vegetables and nuts according to your tastes and available ingredients. By substituting white rice flakes with nutrient-rich red rice flakes, you craft a wholesome breakfast that is both fulfilling and health-enhancing.
*Red aval upma*
## Method to Prepare Red Poha Upma
### Ingredients
– 1 cup red poha (red rice flakes)
– 1 medium onion, chopped finely
– 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust for spiciness)
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons oil (coconut or vegetable oil recommended)
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
### Directions
1. **Wash the Poha**: Place the red poha in a sieve and rinse it under running water for a few seconds. Let it drain thoroughly. The poha should feel soft but not overly mushy.
2. **Make the Tempering**: Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables**: Introduce the chopped onions and green chilies to the pan. Sauté until the onions become translucent. Next, add the mixed vegetables and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they’re cooked yet still crunchy.
4. **Incorporate the Spices**: Add in the turmeric powder and salt. Mix well to blend all the components together.
5. **Mix with Poha**: Gently incorporate the rinsed red poha into the pan. Carefully mix everything to ensure the poha is evenly coated with the spices and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. **Serve**: Turn off the heat and top with roasted peanuts and chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
## Final Thoughts
Red poha upma is a tasty and nutritious addition to your breakfast options. With its rich flavors and health advantages, it’s a dish that is likely to become a household favorite. The adaptable nature of red poha allows you to try out various ingredients, making it an ideal platform for your culinary exploration. So, when you’re in search of a quick and healthy breakfast option, consider trying red poha upma!