Cutlets
Looking for a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make snack that can serve as a perfect breakfast or a delightful tiffin option? Poha and Besan Cutlets could be your go-to solution. This Indian-inspired dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients, making it a great choice for both kids and adults.
What Makes Poha and Besan Cutlets Special?
Poha, which are flattened rice flakes, are commonly used in Indian cuisine for breakfast and snacks. When paired with besan (gram flour), the combination offers a delicious, crispy cutlet that’s light on the stomach yet satisfying. Both poha and besan are rich in proteins, fibers, and carbohydrates, making them an excellent source of energy, especially for the morning.
Here’s why you should consider adding Poha and Besan Cutlets to your meal plan:
- Quick & Easy: You can prepare these cutlets in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Nutritious: They provide a good balance of carbs, proteins, and fibers, perfect for a wholesome meal.
- Versatile: Poha and Besan Cutlets can be served with a variety of chutneys or dips and are great for breakfast, evening snacks, or even lunchbox tiffin.
- Kid-Friendly: The crunchy texture and flavorful taste are sure to be loved by children, making it a great option for school lunch boxes.
How to Make Poha and Besan Cutlets?
Here’s a simple recipe that you can try at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup poha (flattened rice)
- 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 medium-sized boiled potato (optional, for extra binding)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as per taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil (for binding)
- Water (if needed, to adjust consistency)
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Poha: Begin by rinsing the poha in water. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes until soft. Drain the excess water and keep it aside.
- Cook the Besan: In a non-stick pan, dry roast the besan on low heat for 3-4 minutes until it turns slightly golden and fragrant. This step helps remove the raw taste of besan.
- Mash the Potato: If you are using a boiled potato, mash it well to ensure it binds the ingredients together. This step is optional but adds texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the soaked poha, roasted besan, mashed potato, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Shape the Cutlets: Once the mixture is ready, take a small portion and shape it into round or oval cutlets. You can make them as thick or thin as you like.
- Fry the Cutlets: Heat a little oil in a shallow frying pan. Once the oil is hot, gently place the cutlets in the pan and cook on medium heat. Flip them after 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve with green chutney or tamarind sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
These poha and besan cutlets are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them with a cup of tea in the morning or as an evening snack. They can also be packed into lunchboxes, making for a nutritious, crunchy, and satisfying treat at school or work. Adding a side of cucumber or tomato salad can elevate the dish even further.
Health Benefits:
- Poha is low in fat and a good source of iron and fiber, promoting better digestion and energy levels.
- Besan is packed with protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and a good muscle-building food.
- The use of turmeric adds anti-inflammatory benefits, while coriander leaves are rich in antioxidants.
Poha and Besan Cutlets are an easy, quick, and healthy snack that the whole family will love. Whether you want a nutritious breakfast or a hearty snack for the kids’ tiffin, these cutlets can easily become a regular feature in your meal rotation. So, next time you’re looking for a snack that’s both crunchy and healthy, give this recipe a try!
