Chura Matar :: Choorha Mutar :: Poha with green peas :: Banaras ka khana :: Bihari breakfast

India is a vast country, with a different culture and climate at every 4-5 hours of journey. With such huge a nation, and as many states as we have, it’s very difficult for a person to be acquainted with all the cuisines and their specialities in one life. There are many recipes which keep the core ingredients same and are just twisted a little bit with a different name. Like this simple roasted rice flakes fry, called by various names as Poha, Chivda, Choorha, Aval etc. In whatever name or variety, I have always love this simple breakfast item. You can throw in the veggies of your choice and its always filling and satisfying.

So when I made Poha for S initially, he was all in but then he tasted and tweaked his face with a disappointment. Being asked the reason, he said since both of us are basically from UP he was expecting the same ‘’Choorha Matar’’ that is being  eaten at his home. Now I was confused, what the hell is this ? I mean it should be the same Poha I have had all my life before marriage, what’s the difference then. I surfed and didn't find anything different in those recipes marked with the name. Poor S, he never complaint again and kept on having the same Poha I prepared for him every time. During my recent visit to India, when I was there with my SIL, I asked her the difference between the two. She laughed by heart and the next morning prepared this specially for her beloved Brother.

So here I see, the transformation of my simple Poha recipe to this Masaledar Choorha Matar recipe. No wonder Banarasi food is famous for its Chatpata Khana, I should have guessed before. So this time, I cooked this version for S to surprise him, instead I was surprised by the glitter of a known taste in his eyes :)

The basic difference is the addition of garlic and Panch phoran, which I never used to add in my simple Poha. Instead of fried peanuts, we add peas and instead of Curry leaves, we add Coriander leaves. That’s it, you have travelled half the states of India , gee !!

Ingredients:
1 cup Poha
1 cup green peas ( thawed if frozen )
1 medium potato, chopped small ( completely optional ) 
½ tsp Panch phoran
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
A small piece of ginger, grated
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp turmeric, red chilli powder each
1 green chili, finely chopped
1 tsp Oil
½ cup cilantro to garnish

1 tsp Garam Masala ( optional )

Method:

• Heat oil in a pan and fry onion till light brown. Add in minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for a min on medium flame.
• Combine with all the spices except Garam Masala and cook covered for a minute to let it absorb the flavours.
• Throw in the green peas and mix well, cook covered for 4-5 minutes stirring in between.
• Meanwhile, wash and drain Poha and when peas are done and tender, add Poha into the pan and start mixing with light hands.
• Keep stirring frequently until all the water is evaporated and their remains a light, fluffy texture of Poha. Turn off the heat.
• Garnish with finely chopped cilantro leaves and mix well before serving, you can also sprinkle some garam masla aonto it for special flavour.

Notes:

• If you are sceptical about the taste, you may do a mix and match and add in those ingredients which you like and see if that's up to your liking. Like adding peanuts and curry leaves to it, or omitting garlic and garam masala. Try and see what suits you :)