Madhya Pradesh is a state from which we have not seen many cookbooks, but trust it to give a lot of hidden gems of recipes. The cuisine of this state is influenced by the so many borders it shares with other states, but there is definitely something of its own that it has to offer. One such recipe is shared by Richa Chitgopekar who is a Marathi born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh.
Khada Masala Poha is very specific to a small part of Madhya Pradesh. Unlike the more popular version, Indori Poha, this one has a strong flavour of the stoneflower. This is Richa's version of the recipe created after eating it multiple times in Dewas. (a small town near Indore)
Ingredients:
3 cups poha, soaked for 30 min
Sugar 4-5 teaspoons (1.5 teaspoons for each cup works the best, or you could start with 1 teaspoon)
Salt as per taste
Oil- 6 tablespoons.
Fennel Seeds and Mustard Seeds
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2-3 green chillies
Coriander lemon
Spices- Stoneflower, Cloves & Bay leaves
Method:
Heat oil and add Saunf, Mustard Seeds, Stone flower and Bayleaf.
Switch off the gas and leave this oil covered for 15 min. The oil should be infused with the flavours.
Heat again and add 2 medium chopped onions and some turmeric.
Make a coarse paste of 2 green chillies, cloves and some coriander.
Add to onion once done.
Then add the soaked poha, salt and sugar and mix well.
Once mixed, transfer to a container and put over a steaming pot.
Let it steam well.
Serve with some pheeki baarik sev, freshly chopped coriander and lemon.
This recipe is rare to find in Madhya Pradesh, but you can find it in a few shops like Ratan Shree Pohewala in Dewas. (Madhya Pradesh)
Special Thanks to Richa Chitgopekar for sharing this recipe with us!
Richa Chitgopekar is a food enthusiast, keen to know about the microcuisines and diasporic cuisines of India. She is a Marathi born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh, her journey started with exploring the cuisines of these two states. Follow @richa.chitgopekar on Instagram.