Kanda Poha Recipe: Make soft and fluffy poha like the market in 10 minutes
- bySudha Saxena
- 04 Feb, 2026
In the morning, everyone wants a quick and light breakfast. Poha is one such option, a favorite in almost every Indian household. Marathi Kanda Poha, in particular, is known for its simplicity and delicious flavor. The onion flavor, or kanda, in its dish, makes even ordinary poha special.
Why is Poha everyone's favorite?
Poha is a light breakfast that is a favorite among everyone, from children to adults. Its best bet is that it is easily digestible and provides instant energy. It requires very little time and few ingredients to prepare. When time is short and you're craving something nutritious, Kanda Poha is an ideal choice.
Choosing and Preparing the Right Poha
Making excellent Kanda Poha starts with choosing the right poha. It's best to use medium-thick poha. First, rinse the poha two to three times with clean water. After rinsing, place it in a sieve to drain off all excess water. This process helps the poha become fluffy and soft, preventing it from sticking together.
Preparation of vegetables and spices
The main attractions of Kanda Poha are onions and peanuts. A large onion should be chopped lengthwise and coarsely. Finely chopped green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, and curry leaves enhance the flavor. To make the peanuts crispy, lightly roast them beforehand to retain their crunch.
The right way to temper
The tempering is crucial for enhancing the flavor. Mustard oil is heated in a pan, then mustard seeds and cumin seeds are tempered. When the mustard seeds begin to crackle, peanuts, onions, and curry leaves are added. The onions don't need to be browned too much; leaving them slightly pink and translucent keeps the poha tasting sweet and fresh.
Preparing Fluffy Poha
Once the onions are lightly sautéed, finely chopped green chilies and turmeric powder are added. Next, pour the soaked poha, stored in a strainer, into the pan, spreading it evenly throughout. Add salt and a little sugar to taste for a sweet and sour flavor. Finally, add lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves, and mix thoroughly.
Steam cooking technique
To soften the poha, it's crucial to cook it covered over low heat for 2 minutes. This allows the spices and lemon juice to penetrate the poha. Steaming the poha makes it even more fluffy and soft. This small tip makes a big difference in its texture.
Serving Suggestion
Prepared Kanda Poha should be served hot. Finely chopped sev or potato bhujia can be added to enhance its flavor. This light and tasty breakfast with morning tea provides a good start to the day. This recipe is ideal for those who want great flavor with less oil and spices.






