Poha Upma Maharashtrian Style or Kanda Batata Poha is one of the most comforting Maharashtrian poha dishes — soft rice flakes, sautéed onions (kanda), golden potatoes (batata), crunchy peanuts, and a fresh squeeze of lemon. If you’ve ever wondered how to make poha that tastes authentic, fluffy, and non-mushy, this Kanda Poha recipe is the only guide you need.
Poha Upma is more than just a breakfast dish — it’s a warm hug from Maharashtrian kitchens. Soft rice flakes kissed with turmeric, fragrant onions, buttery-soft potatoes, crunchy peanuts, and a burst of lemon — this comforting dish is a perfect blend of aroma, texture, and flavor. Whether you call it Kanda Poha, Batata Poha, or the classic Poha Upma, one thing stays constant: it’s hearty, nourishing, and ready in minutes.
✅ What Is Poha?
Poha, also known as flattened rice or rice flakes, is made by parboiling rice, flattening it, and drying it. It becomes soft within seconds when rinsed, making it ideal for quick dishes like upma, chivda, and sweet poha. Flattened rice is called Atukulu in Telugu and Aval in Tamil.
💚 Health Benefits of Poha
- Light & easy to digest — ideal for breakfast or snacks.
- Low in calories yet satiating, perfect for weight-conscious diets.
- Good source of iron, especially the unpolished variety.
- Naturally gluten-free, suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
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When paired with peanuts & vegetables, it becomes a balanced meal rich in carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and plant protein.
How To Make Poha Upma:
Kanda Batata Pohe is a popular Maharashtrian breakfast dish. In Marathi, kanda refers to onion and batata is potato. Pohe is an easy upma recipe where mildly spiced rice flakes are cooked with potatoes and onions and tempered with curry leaves and crunchy peanuts. This easy breakfast recipe is a simple and filling dish that comes alive with a blend of flavours.
Poha Upma is the kind of dish that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment. Soft, fragrant, tangy, crunchy, and nourishing — it’s everything a perfect breakfast should be. Whether you’re cooking for a busy morning or craving something warm and homely, this Maharashtrian Kanda Batata Poha is always a winner.
If you loved this recipe, keep exploring and keep creating — because great food is just one bowl of poha away!
- To make Pohe or Aval Upma, firstly wash the Poha 2-3 times and leave it in a colander to drain. Don’t soak or wash the Poha for a long time, otherwise it will turn soggy.
- Meanwhile chop the onions, ginger, coriander leaves, potato and green chillies. Also grate the coconut, if using.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the peanuts. Remove and keep aside.
- Then add the diced potato pieces and fry till golden brown. Remove excess oil and keep aside.
- Next toss in mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilli and curry leaves. Sauté.
- Then add grated ginger, chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté till the onions turn pink.
- Next put in the green peas, asafoetida, turmeric, salt and sugar. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Now stir in the Pohe, peanuts and fried potatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from flame and sprinkle some lemon juice on top. Mix well.
- Lastly, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and freshly grated coconut.
- Enjoy delicious Poha Upma with a steaming mug of coffee.
Looking for more morning inspiration? Check out our easy and healthy Breakfast Recipes, like this Cracked Wheat Upma
✅ Pohe Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges for brightness.
- Pair with a cup of masala chai, filter coffee, or sol kadhi.
- Add a side of curd/yogurt for a balanced meal.
- Top with fresh grated coconut for a coastal twist.
- Serve as part of a brunch platter with fresh fruits.
✅ Variations for Rice Flakes Upma
- Kanda Poha: Skip potatoes; use extra onions.
- Batata Poha: Double the potatoes; skip onions.
- Vegetable Poha: Add peas, carrots, and capsicum.
- Indori Poha: Add fennel seeds & sev on top.
- Sweet & Savory Poha: Add raisins for a light sweetness.
✅ Tips for Perfect Poha Upma
- Use thick poha — thin poha becomes mushy.
- Rinse only for a few seconds; over-washing breaks the flakes.
- Add peanuts early for crunch that lasts.
- Keep the flame low after adding poha to avoid drying.
- A splash of lemon before and after cooking elevates flavor.
🌟 You Might Also Love
- 🍋 Lemon Rice – A tangy, vibrant South Indian classic perfect for lunchboxes.
- 🥕 Vegetable Upma – A hearty, veggie-packed breakfast that’s warm and comforting.
- 🥔 Sabudana Khichdi – A delicious, gluten-free fasting dish with peanuts & soft sago pearls.
Maharashtrian Kanda Batata Pohe Recipe details below:
Aloo Poha Upma Recipe
Ingredients
- Poha/Rice Flakes – 2 cups
- Onion – 1 large
- Green Chilli – 2
- Red Chilli – 1
- Potato – 1 large
- Peas – 1/3 cup
- Peanuts – ¼ cup
- Coriander leaves – 1 tbsp
- Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
- Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp
- Ginger – ½ inch
- Asafoetida – ¼ tsp
- Turmeric – ½ tsp
- Salt to taste
- Sugar – ½ tsp
- Oil – 1 ½ tbsp
- Curry leaves – a handful
- Grated coconut, optional – 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Wash Poha under running water about 3-4 times and leave it to drain in a colander.
- Finely chop the onion, green chillies, ginger and coriander leaves. Peel and cut the potato into small pieces. Grate coconut.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the peanuts. Remove.
- Add the chopped potato and fry until light brown. Drain and remove.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the pan. Once they start to splutter, add curry leaves, chopped ginger, red chillies and sauté.
- Add the onions and green chillies and sauté till onions turn translucent.
- Put in the peas, asafoetida, turmeric, salt and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the fried potatoes and Poha. Combine well and cook for 2-3 minutes till all the flavours are nicely absorbed. Stir gently to prevent the Poha from clumping. Remove.
- Drizzle lemon juice and garnish with chopped coriander and peanuts.
- Serve Kanda Batata Poha with a sprinkling of freshly grated coconut.
Did this Poha Upma make your morning brighter? 🌞
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My favorite breakfast dish is pohe and upama.Because of its spicy taste,nice smell and its nutrition value.