Poha Pulihora, also known as Atukula Pulihora, is a simple and flavorful South Indian dish made with flattened rice and classic tempering ingredients. It is light on the stomach, quick to prepare, and perfect for everyday breakfast or lunchbox meals.
Ingredients
- Thick poha (atukulu) – 2 cups
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Urad dal – 1 tsp
- Chana dal – 1 tsp
- Peanuts – 2 tbsp
- Dry red chillies – 2
- Green chillies – 2 (slit)
- Curry leaves – few
- Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Lemon juice – 2 to 3 tbsp
Preparation Method
- Wash poha once and soak in water for 2–3 minutes.
- Drain completely and keep poha soft and fluffy.
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add peanuts and fry till golden.
- Add chana dal and urad dal, fry till light golden.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, dry red chillies, green chillies, curry leaves, and hing.
- Add turmeric powder and salt, mix well.
- Switch off flame and let mixture cool slightly.
- Add soaked poha and lemon juice.
- Mix gently until well combined.
- Rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Tips
- Always add lemon juice after switching off flame to avoid bitterness.
- Thick poha gives best texture for lemon pulihora.
- Adjust lemon juice as per sourness.
Variations
- Add grated carrot for color and nutrition.
- Add roasted cashews instead of peanuts.
Health Benefits
- Poha gives instant energy and keeps the stomach light.
- Lemon and hing improve digestion and reduce gas.
- Peanuts provide healthy fats and support heart health.