Aval (also called poha, chivda or pohe)is a popular Indian breakfast dish made with rice flakes. It is also served as evening snacks.

Aval, also called beaten rice is a convenience food . It is made from rice which is beaten or pressed / flattened. It cooks very fast. It can also be eaten as it is by mixing with milk and sugar(like cornflakes) or with curd(plain yogurt)and salt or sugar, as you prefer.

In Maharashtra state, this recipe is named as 'kanda pohe'(meaning onion aval or batata pohe(potato aval)if potato is added instead of onion. It is tasty both ways. In Karnataka it is called as 'avalakki uppitu' or 'avalakki bhat'

Aval is available in thick, medium, thin(called paper avalkki or nylon poha), nylon aval. Aval is a very versatile ingredient as many recipes can be made using aval. I am using thick aval for this recipe.

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How to make Poha - Aval

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Ingredients for 2-3 servings .

Aval - 1 cup

Onion - 1 large

green chillis - 2

Ginger - paste or finely chopped - 1/4 tsp

curry leaves - 7-8

oil - 3 tbsp

Mustard seeds - ½ teaspoon

salt - 1 1/2 tsp or to taste

sugar - ½ tsp

Fresh grated coconut - 2 tbsp

coriander leaves - 1 small bunch

Preparation for Making Poha

Put aval in a colander and hold it under running water. Or else, you can wash aval in a bowl and remove all water. Keep aside for 10 minutes.

Chop onion, coriander leaves.

Chop green chilles in big pieces or slit in two.

Cooking Poha Method:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan.
2. Add mustard seeds. When they crackle Add chili pieces. Fry for a few seconds.
3. Add chopped onion. Fry till onion is transparent.
4. Add turmeric powder, ginger paste.
5. Reduce flame. Add aval, salt, sugar. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle a little water if needed - if you like softer poha. Cover and cook for 5 minutes on low flame.
7. Add grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves. Mix well.

Tips:

1.You can also add mixed vegetables - green peas, potato, capsicums in addition to or instead of onions.
2. Do not leave too much water in the aval after washing. That will make it like a paste.

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