Poha is the kind of breakfast that makes busy mornings feel easy. Light, fluffy flattened rice meets crisp vegetables, fragrant spices, and crunchy peanuts for a meal that’s both satisfying and gentle on the stomach. It cooks fast, tastes great, and uses pantry staples you likely already have.

Make it once, and it’ll quickly become part of your weekday routine—reliable, flavorful, and flexible enough to suit your mood. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this Vegetable Poha with Peanuts delivers on comfort and convenience.

What Makes This Vegetable Poha Recipe So Good

• Ready in 20 minutes: Minimal prep, quick cooking, big payoff.
• Balanced flavor and texture: Soft poha, crisp veggies, and crunchy peanuts create a satisfying bite.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables based on what you have, adjust heat, and add toppings like sev or grated coconut.
• Light yet filling: Great for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dinner.
• Budget-friendly: Uses everyday ingredients and stretches easily for more servings.

Ingredients Needed for Vegetable Poha 

• 2 cups thick poha (flattened rice)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small potato, peeled and diced small (optional but classic)
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 green chilies, slit or finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1/3 cup roasted peanuts (salted or unsalted)
• 8–10 curry leaves
• 1-inch piece ginger, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or neutral oil)
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: grated fresh coconut, sev, extra roasted peanuts

Step-by-step Instructions For Vegetable Poha 

1. Prep the poha: Place the poha in a sieve. Rinse under cold running water for 15–20 seconds while gently fluffing with your fingers.

   Let it drain completely for 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and turmeric over the softened poha and toss lightly.

2. Roast the peanuts (if using raw): Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Roast peanuts for 4–5 minutes until golden and crunchy.

   Set aside. If using pre-roasted, skip this.

3. Start the tempering: In a wide pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds.

   When they crackle, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add aromatics and potato: Add chopped onion and grated ginger. Cook 2–3 minutes until the onions soften.

   Stir in the diced potato with a pinch of salt, cover, and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender.

5. Add vegetables: Add carrot, peas, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. You want the veggies bright and slightly crunchy, not mushy.
6. Season: Add turmeric (if you didn’t add it to the poha), red chili powder if using, and a little more salt.

   Stir to coat the vegetables evenly in the spices.

7. Fold in poha: Add the softened poha to the pan. Gently toss with a spatula to combine. If the mixture looks dry, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of water.

   Cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.

8. Add crunch and brightness: Stir in the roasted peanuts. Turn off the heat and squeeze in lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed.
9. Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro.

   Add optional grated coconut or sev on top for extra texture. Serve warm.

How to keep Vegetable Poha Fresh

• Short-term storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a teaspoon of water to revive softness.
• Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and roast peanuts in advance.

  Rinse and drain the poha only right before cooking to avoid sogginess.

• Lunchbox tip: Pack lemon wedges separately and squeeze just before eating to keep flavors bright.
• Freezing: Not ideal. Poha can turn dry and crumbly after thawing. It’s best made fresh.

Health Benefits Of Vegetable Poha 

• Light on the stomach: Poha is easy to digest and great for a gentle breakfast or snack.
• Steady energy: Flattened rice provides carbohydrates for sustained energy without feeling heavy.
• Vegetable boost: Carrots, peas, bell peppers, and potatoes add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
• Healthy fats and protein: Peanuts add protein, crunch, and heart-friendly fats, making the dish more filling.
• Low on oil: A small amount of oil is enough for tempering and flavor, keeping the dish light.

Mistakes to Avoid in Vegetable Poha 

• Don’t soak poha in water: Rinse, don’t soak.

  Soaking makes it mushy and clumpy.

• Don’t overcook the vegetables: They should stay bright and slightly crisp, not soft and dull.
• Don’t skip the lemon: The acidity ties all the flavors together and keeps the dish lively.
• Don’t use high heat after adding poha: Gentle heat prevents drying or breaking the grains.
• Don’t overload the pan: Too many ingredients at once can steam the vegetables instead of sautéing them.

Variations You Can Try In Vegetable Poha 

• South Indian style: Add a tablespoon of grated coconut and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with the tempering.
• Maharashtrian kanda-batata twist: Skip the mixed vegetables and go heavy on onions and potatoes. A little sugar balances the flavors nicely.
• Protein boost: Stir in pan-seared paneer cubes or cooked chickpeas toward the end.
• Greens upgrade: Add a handful of spinach or finely chopped kale in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Spice lovers: Add crushed black pepper or a chopped green chili on top before serving.
• Tangy tamarind: Mix 1 teaspoon tamarind paste with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the pan before adding poha for a sweet-sour note.
• Garnish game: Top with sev, pomegranate seeds, or extra roasted peanuts for crunch and color.

FAQ About Vegetable Poha 

Which type of poha should I use?

Thick poha works best because it holds its shape after rinsing and tossing. Thin poha tends to turn soggy quickly and is better for no-cook chivda-style snacks.

How do I prevent the poha from turning mushy?

Rinse briefly in a sieve and let it drain completely.

Avoid soaking. Use low heat after adding the poha and toss gently instead of stirring aggressively.

Can I make this without peanuts?

Yes. Skip the peanuts or swap in cashews, pumpkin seeds, or toasted sunflower seeds.

You’ll still get nice texture and a bit of protein.

What can I use instead of potatoes?

Try diced sweet potato (cook slightly longer), extra peas, or cauliflower florets. You can also omit potatoes completely for a lighter version.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free as written. Just ensure your asafoetida (if using) is pure or labeled gluten-free.

How spicy is this?

Medium at most.

Adjust by adding or reducing green chilies and skipping red chili powder. A squeeze of extra lemon also balances spice nicely.

Can I add more protein?

Absolutely. Add paneer, tofu, boiled eggs on the side, or a handful of cooked chickpeas.

Stir them in toward the end to keep textures intact.

What should I serve with poha?

It’s great on its own with lemon wedges. You can add a side of yogurt, chai, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.

Final Thoughts On Vegetable Poha 

Vegetable Poha with Peanuts is the kind of recipe you’ll rely on again and again. It’s quick, flexible, and full of comforting flavors that never feel heavy.

Keep a bag of poha in your pantry, a lemon in your crisper, and some peanuts on standby—breakfast or a snack is always minutes away. Once you make it your way with your favorite add-ins, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

Related Post: One-Pot Authentic Indian Vegetable Khichdi (Porridge) – Comforting, Nourishing, and Easy