### Red Poha Upma – A Nutritious Breakfast Recipe
Red poha, derived from red rice, serves as a healthy substitute for conventional white rice flakes. Renowned for its substantial iron content and digestibility, red poha makes a fantastic addition to your breakfast menu. This article will walk you through the process of creating a tasty and nutritious red poha upma, ideal for a quick meal.
#### What is Red Poha?
Red poha, commonly referred to as red rice flakes, consists of dehusked rice that has been flattened into dried flakes. It comes in various thicknesses and is often called flattened rice, beaten rice, poha, atukulu, aval, or avalakki. When compared to white rice flakes, red poha provides superior nutritional benefits, making it a common choice in many homes for quick tiffins or lunch box meals.
#### Benefits of Red Poha
– **Rich in Iron**: Red poha offers a higher iron content than white rice flakes, making it advantageous for individuals seeking to enhance their iron levels.
– **Easily Digestible**: The flattened nature of poha facilitates easy digestion, making it appropriate for all ages.
– **Adaptable Ingredient**: It can be paired with a variety of vegetables and nuts, boosting its nutritional value.
#### How to Make Red Poha Upma
Here’s a straightforward recipe for preparing red poha upma:
##### Ingredients
– 1 cup red poha (red rice flakes)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1-2 green chilies, slit
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
– 1/4 cup peanuts (optional)
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– 2 tablespoons oil
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
– Lemon juice (optional)
##### Instructions
1. **Preparation of Poha**: Wash the red poha in water and drain it. Allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes to soften.
2. **Tempering**: Heat oil in a skillet. Incorporate mustard seeds and let them splutter. Next, add urad dal and sauté until golden brown.
3. **Sautéing Vegetables**: Introduce chopped onions and green chilies to the skillet. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Then add mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they soften.
4. **Adding Spices**: Blend in turmeric powder and salt. Mix thoroughly.
5. **Combining Poha**: Introduce the softened red poha into the skillet. Gently combine everything, ensuring the poha is evenly coated with the spices and vegetables. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes.
6. **Finishing Touches**: Top with fresh coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice if desired.
7. **Serve**: Serve warm as a nutritious breakfast or snack.
#### Conclusion
Red poha upma is not just quick and easy to make but is also loaded with nutrients. By adding red rice flakes to your meals, you can savor a healthy breakfast that keeps you energized for the day. Experiment with assorted vegetables and nuts to personalize this dish to your liking. Enjoy your nourishing meal!