Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
Breakfast Recipes

Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha

Siddhi Ballal · June 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Jump to Recipe
Prep 10m
Cook 15m
Total 25m
Serves 2-3
Level Easy

Easy Kanda Poha Recipe –

Kanda Poha is one of the most loved Indian breakfast recipes. It is light, quick, and very easy to make with simple ingredients like flattened rice, onion, green chillies, curry leaves, peanuts, and basic spices. In many Maharashtrian homes, poha is made for breakfast because it does not take much time and still feels fresh, filling, and comforting.

This Easy Kanda Poha Recipe is made in a simple homestyle way. The poha is washed and softened first, then mixed with a light tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, onion, peanuts, turmeric, and green chilli. A little lemon juice and fresh coriander at the end make it taste even better.

Kanda Poha is also a good breakfast option for busy mornings. You do not need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. Once the poha is softened properly, the recipe comes together very quickly. It tastes best when served hot with sev, coriander, lemon, or a cup of tea.

About Kanda Poha Recipe:

This Poha Recipe has a soft, light, and mildly spicy taste that makes it a comforting meal for any time of the day. The turmeric gives it a beautiful yellow colour, while the onions add a natural sweetness as they cook. Peanuts provide a delicious crunch in every bite, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brings a refreshing flavour that balances everything perfectly.

One of the reasons poha is so popular is because it is simple, wholesome, and easy to customise according to your taste. Some people like to add green peas for extra nutrition, while others prefer adding potatoes for a heartier version. Fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut are also commonly used as garnishes to enhance both flavour and appearance.

The most important part of making good poha is washing it correctly. This single step can make a huge difference in the final texture of the dish. If you soak it for too long, it can become mushy and sticky. If you do not soften it enough, it may remain dry and hard to eat. The poha should be washed gently under running water and then kept aside for a few minutes until it becomes soft but still separate and fluffy.

Preparation Before Making Kanda Poha:

Before starting the recipe, keep all the ingredients ready. Finely chop the onion, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Wash the curry leaves and keep them aside. Keep peanuts, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, hing, salt, and lemon ready.

Now take thick poha in a strainer and wash it gently under running water. Do not rub it too much. Let the water drain completely and keep the poha aside for 5–7 minutes. After a few minutes, check if the poha has become soft. Add salt and sugar to the softened poha and mix gently.

Preparation before making 'Kanda Poha'
Preparation before making ‘Kanda Poha’

How Poha Tastes?

This poha has a soft, fresh, and comforting taste. The onion gives a mild sweetness, the green chilli adds light spice, and the peanuts give a nice crunch. Lemon juice makes the poha taste fresh and balanced.

It is not too spicy or oily, which makes it perfect for everyday breakfast. You can make it simple or garnish it with sev, coconut, and coriander for extra taste.

Serving Kanda Poha:

Serve Poha hot with lemon wedges, chopped coriander, and sev on top. It tastes very good with a cup of hot tea. You can also serve it with coconut chutney or a small bowl of curd if you want a more filling breakfast.
If you enjoy simple homemade food, you can also try this homestyle sabzi recipe as an easy side dish for everyday meals.

Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
Serving Kanda Poha

Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
Breakfast
Prep
10m
Cook
15m
Total
25m
Servings
2-3
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

Tap to check off as you go

Method

  1. 1

    Take thick poha in a strainer and rinse it gently with water. Drain the water properly and keep it aside for a few minutes. The poha should become soft but should not break too much.

    Step 1 — Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
  2. 2

    Heat oil in a pan. Add peanuts and fry them on low to medium flame until they become crunchy.

    Step 2 — Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
  3. 3

    In the same oil, add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add jeera if using. Then add hing, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. Mix for a few seconds add fried peanuts.

    Step 3 — Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
  4. 4

    Add finely chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and slightly pink. Do not brown the onion too much. Poha tastes better when the onion is soft and mild.

    Step 4 — Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
  5. 5

    Add turmeric powder and mix well. The turmeric gives poha its beautiful yellow colour. Add the softened poha to the pan. Mix gently so the poha gets coated with the tempering and turmeric. Be careful while mixing, because poha can break if mixed too hard.

    Step 5 — Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
  6. 6

    Cover the pan and cook the poha on low flame for 2–3 minutes. This helps the flavours mix nicely and makes the poha soft and warm.

    Step 6 — Easy Kanda Poha Recipe | Simple Maharashtrian Kanda Poha
  7. 7

    Turn off the flame. Add chopped coriander leaves, and lemon juice. Mix lightly. You can also add grated coconut or sev on top while serving.

Aaji's Tip

Always use thick poha for this recipe. Thin poha becomes too soft and can turn mushy quickly. Also, do not soak poha in water for a long time. Just rinse it gently and let it rest until soft.

Notes
If your poha feels dry while cooking, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and cook for a minute. If it feels too soft, keep it open for a few minutes before serving. Adjust lemon juice, sugar, and salt as per your taste.
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From the Kitchen of
Siddhi Ballal

Celebrating the coastal flavours and food heritage of the Konkan coast — one recipe at a time.

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