Avalakki / Poha / flattened rice / Bajil (as called in Tulu language) is a quick recipe in terms of preparation and usage. I remember my mom having these avalakki with curd + pickle during fasting days. Especially when she was not in a mood to cook something elaborate just for herself 🙂

I started making avalakki chitranna after getting married because my hubby loves it ! And now I am glad that my son loves it too.

So here comes the recipe for Avalakki Chitranna / Lemon flavored poha:

INGREDIENTS:

Poha /avalakki / flattened rice – thick variety – 2 cups

Onion – 1 – chopped finely

Ginger – 1/2 inch

Green chillies – 2 to 3 – slit lengthwise

Mini sweet peppers (optional) – few – chopped in ring shape

Potatoes – 1 small – chopped finely

Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Lemon – juice of 1

Cilantro / coriander leaves – for garnishing

Salt – as per taste

For tempering:

Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

Urad Dal – 1 tsp

Curry leaves – few

Peanuts – a handful

Asafoetida powder – 1/2 tsp

METHOD:

In a strainer, add the poha / avalakki and run under cold water till the poha is damp wet. Keep it aside.

In a wide bottomed pan, heat oil. Add the ingredients mentioned under the ‘for tempering’ section. Sauté till the peanuts are roasted well.

Then add the chopped green chillies, ginger, mini peppers and onions. Sauté till onions are translucent.

Now add the chopped potatoes. Add salt and turmeric powder. Mix well.

Sauté till the potatoes are soft.Once potatoes are cooked, add the lemon juice and mix well

Now add the softened poha and mix well but gently.

Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with some onions and pickle !