Zucchini Red Poha
Getting kids to eat veggies is something most moms / parents find it difficult, esp for picky eaters. Vegetables can be hidden so well in dishes like Pav Bhaji, Cutlets, Noodles, Wraps or even Soups or even in this healthy Double Chocolate Zucchini bread (yum! ) . Parents get really creative with sneaking in veggies. Thankfully at my place, vegetables in most forms are welcomed, and we stick to presenting them in the natural form as far as possible. Another delicious fusion recipe are these quick and delicious Baked Roti Nachos (made with Leftover rotis). Another easy and Vegan + Gluten Free Recipe with Zucchini is this Lasooni Zucchini Dal with BAby Spinach
Why Zucchini Red Poha?
Honestly, I got a bunch of really fresh zucchini from a friend , and although the initial plan was to bake this very very decadent Double Chocolate Zucchini bread (yeah. – its sooo awesome, people would hardly believe its made with zucchini) or even to make Zoodles (have you tried that, yet?), we ate up most of the zucchini in a simple stir fried salad. So, while wondering how I could amp up the humble poha for breakfast, this shredded zucchini came into view, and boy! What a game changer was that!! Zucchini being almost neutral in taste, soaked up the spicy, tangy flavours of the Poha so well this is definitely one up on the Poha game.
So,if you have extra zucchini or even buy it for something else, make sure you try this Zucchini poha once and let me know how you liked it. Also, if you are a fan of Poha (Beaten Rice snack) for breakfast like us, check out the variations to Poha that we enjoy at home. Another GLuten Free + Vegan Breakfast that can be rustled up in under 10 minutes is this delicious Eggless Tomato Omelette
Read on for the complete recipe, including tips and tricks to get the perfect poha.
- Batatyachi Poha (Potato poha)
- Milagu Aval (Black Pepper Poha)
- Mysore Style Gojjavalakki (Msyore Style Tamarind Poha)
- Coriander Poha
- Indori Poha
- Mosaru Avalakki (Curd Poha)
So, what’s Red Poha?
Red Poha is a low GI, high fiber unpolished variant of the Poha and we love it a lot in our dishes. Eating red poha regularly can prevent iron deficiency or anaemia as it contains 20 mg of iron in every 100g raw rice flakes. Children as well as pregnant and lactating women can benefit greatly by consuming it. Softened poha is also a great way to add dietary iron when an infant is weaned from mother’s milk (source). Diabetics could also indulge in this poha but in limited quantities.
What are the major ingredients in this Zucchini Red Poha dish?
- Red Poha – Make sure you wash it thoroughly in several changes of water (in a colander) before using it to the poha. It has a nutty, sand-like texture which goes away with washing. You may also use Brown Poha instead, follow the same wash-drain-use technique.
- Zucchini – Low calorie, nutrient dense veggie which is so versatile from stir fries to Zoodles (have you tried that, already?)
- Peanuts – add crunch (skip for any nut allergies) , sub with cashews if preferred.
- Flax seed powder – this is a game changer, so don’t skip it. Simply dry roast flax seeds, cool and powder. Store in a refrigerator. Use to top curries, stir fries or even everyday breakfast for that nutrition boost.
- Mixed veggies – Onions, grated carrots etc. You can add minced broccoli, peas, french beans, cauliflower too
Let’s get to making Zucchini Red Poha~ Gluten Free, Vegan Breakfast
Prep time – 15 mins, Cook time – 15 mins, Serves – 3 | Cuisine: Indian ; Course: Breakfast / Snack
- 200 g Red Poha (Sub with normal White / polished poha if needed)
- 1/4 cup Grated Zucchini
- 1/4 cup Grated Carrots
- 2 tsp Oil
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 2 tsp Peanuts
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1 tsp Jeera
- 1 sprig Curry leaves (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Peas (or sub with more mixed veggies)
- 1/2 cup Onion (Sliced thin or minced fine)
- 1 tsp Green Coriander (minced fine)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice (or juice of 1/2 medium lemon) – optional
- 2 Nos. Green Chillies (minced fine)
- 1 tsp Grated coconut (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Flax Seed Powder (optional but recommended)
PIN FOR LATER
How to make Zucchini Red Poha
- Wash the red poha in a colander several times, transfer to a bowl and keep covered.
- Grate zucchini and carrot. Mix and keep.
- Peel and chop onions and green chillies.
- Roast peanuts in 1/4 tsp oil till crunchy and keep aside.
- In a pan, add oil, splutter mustard seeds and jeera (cumin). Add green chillies, curry leaves.
- To this tempering, add turmeric, the onions and saute till onions turn translucent. Add salt at this stage.
- Now add the grated zucchini and carrots and other veggies if using. Saute for 3-4 mins.
- Let the veggies remain crunchy.
- Add the soaked and drained poha and mix gently.
- Add the grated coconut, flax seed powder and mix well.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tsp of water as red poha is quite dry and thick.
- Cover and cook for 2 mins
- Garnish with chopped coriander and Lemon juice.
- Mix and serve hot topped with roasted peanuts.
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Tips to get the perfect Zucchini Red Poha
- Use thick poha variety for this dish. If you don’t find Red or Brown Poha, you may use normal polished (white) poha. Either way, use the thick variety of poha
- Don’t soak the poha in water else the entire dish turns soggy. Run tap / running water on top of the poha placed in a colander.
- Additional veggies can be added to this to make it more nutritious. If not, make it with just zucchini and onions.
- When you add the washed and drained poha, ensure it is moist.
- Spice level indicated is medium, adjust accordingly.
- Before grating the zucchini, taste a slice of raw zucchini. Some varieties tend to be bitter. So check and then add.
Zucchini Red Poha Recipe | Flattened Rice Breakfast with Zucchini
Equipment
- Colander
- Bowl
- Ladle
- Kadai / Wok
- Knife
- Grater
- Chopping Board
Ingredients
- 200 g Red Poha Sub with normal White / polished poha if needed
- 1/4 cup Grated Zucchini
- 1/4 cup Grated Carrots
- 2 tsp Oil
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 2 tsp Peanuts
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1 tsp Jeera
- 1 sprig Curry leaves optional
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Peas or sub with more mixed veggies
- 1 cup Onion Sliced thin or minced fine
- 1 tsp Green Coriander minced fine
- 1 tsp Lemon juice or juice of 1/2 medium lemon
- 2 Nos. Green Chillies minced fine
- 1 tsp Grated coconut optional
- 1/2 tsp Flax Seed Powder optional but recommended
Instructions
- Wash the red poha in a colander several times, transfer to a bowl and keep covered.
- Grate zucchini and carrot. Mix and keep.
- Peel and chop onions and green chillies.
- Roast peanuts in 1/4 tsp oil till crunchy and keep aside.
- In a pan, add oil, splutter mustard seeds and jeera (cumin). Add green chillies, curry leaves.
- To this tempering, add turmeric, the onions and saute till onions turn translucent. Add salt at this stage.
- Now add the grated zucchini and carrots and other veggies if using. Saute for 3-4 mins.
- Let the veggies remain crunchy.
- Add the soaked and drained poha and mix gently.
- Add the grated coconut and flax seed powder. Mix well.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tsp of water as red poha is quite dry and thick.
- Cover and cook for 2 mins
- Garnish with chopped coriander and Lemon juice.
- Mix and serve hot topped with roasted peanuts.
Notes
- Use thick poha variety for this dish. If you don’t find Red or Brown Poha, you may use normal polished (white) poha. Either way, use the thick variety of poha.
- Before grating the zucchini, taste a piece of raw zucchini. Some varieties tend to be bitter. So check and then add.
- Don’t soak the poha in water else the entire dish turns soggy. Run tap / running water on top of the poha placed in a colander.
- Additional veggies can be added to this to make it more nutritious. If not, make it with just zucchini and onions.
- When you add the washed and drained poha, ensure it is moist.
- Spice level indicated is medium, adjust accordingly.
Wow adding zucchini in poha is genius. I am yet to try the red poha and thanks for the info that it is low gi.
Thanks Harini. Do give it a shot.
Wow this zucchini poha sounds delicious. I actually have a bunch of zucchini and was wondering what to make. This poha is ideal. Thanks
awesome! do try..
That is one wholesome and nutritious meal. Love how you’ve used several vegetables and red poha to make this delicious looking zucchini poha.
Thank you, Mayuri. yes we love a lot of veggies in our poha
Zucchini red Poha is so nutritious and a wholesome meal . Zucchini with other veggies in Poha is a perfect breakfast. Lately I am using zucchini a lot . I love the use of red poha.
Thanks preethi.
Lovely way to use zucchini. I have never added it in poha, will do it next time. It looks delicious.
Thanks Jayashree
Sounds like you made this recipe for me. Zucchini I get in plenty and poha I love. Thanks Kalyani.
Awesome Seema. let me know how you liked it !
The Zucchini Pohas look delicious. I would have never thought of adding zucchini to poha – it’s great combination.
Thank you Mina! Do try next time..
Poha is my favorite breakfast and I can eat it everyday . Love the inclusion of grated zucchini and carrots to make the poha all the more tasty and healthy.
THank you ! glad you liked it !