11 Light Poha Recipes for Breakfast

Growing up in an Indian household, the sizzle of poha in the morning was my alarm clock. My mom would whip up a simple vegetable poha on rushed school days, filling the kitchen with the comforting aroma of mustard seeds and curry leaves. It was light, nutritious, and kept me energized without weighing me down—perfect for a kid who loved playing cricket till sunset.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen to reinvent this classic flattened rice dish for modern, health-conscious mornings. With busy schedules and a focus on lighter meals, I’ve created variations packed with veggies, proteins, and fresh flavors. Poha is naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and ready in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for today’s fast-paced life.

Classic Vegetable Poha

This timeless recipe is a nod to tradition with a light twist. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, 1 onion (chopped), 1 tomato (chopped), 1 green chili (slit), ½ cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots), 1 tsp mustard seeds, curry leaves, salt, turmeric, lemon juice, fresh coriander.
Rinse poha and set aside to soften. Heat 1 tsp oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves until they splutter, then sauté onions, chili, veggies, and spices for 5 minutes. Mix in poha, cook 3-4 minutes, finish with lemon and coriander.
It’s rich in fiber and vitamins, keeps you full yet light, and boosts metabolism.

Onion Tomato Poha

A zesty, no-fuss version bursting with tangy flavors. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, 2 onions (finely chopped), 2 tomatoes (chopped), 1 tsp cumin seeds, green chili, ginger, salt, turmeric, coriander.
Soak poha for 5 minutes. In a pan, heat minimal oil, temper cumin, add onions until golden, stir in tomatoes, ginger, chili, and spices. Add poha, toss gently for 4 minutes, garnish with coriander.
Low-cal and hydrating from tomatoes, it aids digestion and provides antioxidants for a fresh start.

Peanut Poha

Crunchy peanuts add protein power to this light delight. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, ¼ cup roasted peanuts, 1 onion, curry leaves, mustard seeds, green chili, turmeric, salt, lemon.
Fluff soaked poha. Heat oil, splutter mustard and curry leaves, sauté onion and chili, add peanuts and spices. Stir in poha for 5 minutes, squeeze lemon on top.
Peanuts offer healthy fats and satiety, making it a balanced, energizing breakfast under 300 calories.

Lemon Poha

Bright and refreshing with a citrus kick. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, 1 onion, green chilies, 2 tbsp lemon juice, mustard seeds, turmeric, salt, coriander.
Rinse and drain poha. Temper oil with mustard, add onions and chilies, then spices. Mix poha, cook briefly, and drizzle lemon juice generously.
Vitamin C from lemon enhances iron absorption from poha, perfect for immunity and lightness.

Coconut Poha

Tropical vibes with subtle sweetness. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, ½ cup grated coconut, curry leaves, green chilies, urad dal, mustard seeds, salt.
Soak poha lightly. Heat oil, fry dal, mustard, chilies, and leaves; add coconut, then poha. Stir 4 minutes on low heat.
Coconut adds healthy MCTs for sustained energy without heaviness, great for gut health.

Sprouts Poha

Protein-packed with sprouted goodness. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, ½ cup moong sprouts, onion, tomato, ginger, cumin, turmeric, lemon, coriander.
Sauté cumin, onion, ginger, tomato, and sprouts with spices. Add soaked poha, cook 5 minutes, finish with lemon.
Sprouts boost protein and enzymes for better digestion and vitality in a super-light meal.

Paneer Poha

Creamy yet light with soft paneer cubes. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, ½ cup low-fat paneer (cubed), onion, capsicum, green chili, chaat masala, coriander.
Fry onions, chili, capsicum; add paneer and spices. Toss in poha for 4 minutes, sprinkle chaat masala.
Calcium-rich paneer supports bones, keeping it light and satisfying for busy mornings.

Mushroom Poha

Earthy and umami-forward for variety. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, garlic, onion, black pepper, herbs, lemon.
Sauté garlic and onion, add mushrooms until browned, season with pepper. Mix soaked poha, cook gently.
Mushrooms provide vitamin D and low-cal umami, ideal for immune support.

Spinach Poha

Green power for detox mornings. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, 2 cups chopped spinach, garlic, cumin, green chili, salt, lemon.
Blanch spinach lightly. Temper cumin and garlic, add chili and spinach, then poha. Cook 5 minutes.
Iron-packed spinach with poha fights fatigue, ultra-light and nutrient-dense.

Avocado Poha Fusion

Modern twist with creamy avocado. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, 1 ripe avocado (mashed), onion, lime, cilantro, chili flakes, salt.
Cook basic onion poha, fold in mashed avocado and lime off-heat.
Healthy fats from avocado promote heart health, keeping it light and Instagrammable.

Fruit Poha Delight

Sweet, no-added-sugar option. Ingredients (serves 2): 1 cup poha, mixed fruits (pomegranate, banana, apple), cardamom, nuts, yogurt drizzle.
Lightly cook poha with cardamom. Top with chopped fruits and nuts post-cooking.
Fruits add natural sweetness and fiber for a refreshing, light breakfast boost.

These 11 light poha recipes are quick, wholesome, and versatile—perfect for shaking up your breakfast routine. Grab some poha today and experiment with your favorites; your body and taste buds will thank you!