Tarri Poha: Nagpur’s Spicy Breakfast Delight

If you’ve ever been to Nagpur—or even heard about it—you’ve probably come across Tarri Poha. It’s not just food; it’s a tradition. A spicy, hearty, and utterly satisfying tradition.

What Is Tarri Poha?

• At its core, Tarri Poha is a combination of two elements:
• Poha: Flattened rice sautéed with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and peanuts.
• Tarri: A spicy black chickpea (kala chana) gravy, simmered with a blend of spices, often including a special kala masala.
• The magic happens when the hot, spicy tarri is poured over the warm poha, creating a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both filling and energizing.

The Secret Behind the Spice

What sets Tarri Poha apart is the Kala Masala—a unique spice blend that gives the dish its signature heat and depth. While the exact recipe varies, common ingredients include:

1. Coriander seeds
2. Stone flowers (kalpasi)
3. Bay leaves
4. Star anise
5. Cinnamon
6. Black and green cardamom
7. Dry coconut
8. Bedgi red chilies
9. Saunf (fennel seeds)
10. Shahi jeera (caraway seeds)
11. Garlic
12. Onion
13. Poppy seeds
14. Rice

• This spice mix is roasted and ground to create a fragrant, flavorful base for the tarri. If you don’t have kala masala, you can substitute with garam masala or chana masala, though the taste might differ slightly .

How to Make Tarri Poha at Home

Ingredients

For the Poha:

1. 1 cup thick poha (flattened rice)
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 1 boiled potato, diced
4. 1 tsp mustard seeds
5. ½ tsp cumin seeds
6. 1 stalk curry leaves
7. ¼ cup roasted peanuts
8. ½ tsp turmeric powder
9. Salt to taste
10. 1 tbsp oil
11. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
12. Lemon wedges

For the Tarri (Spicy Chickpea Gravy):

1. 1 cup kala chana (black chickpeas), soaked overnight
2. 1 bay leaf
3. 1 tsp cumin seeds
4. 1 tsp mustard seeds
5. ½ cup onion paste
6. ¼ tsp turmeric powder
7. 1 tsp red chili powder
8. 1 tsp coriander powder
9. 1 tsp amchur (dry mango) powder
10. 5 tomatoes, chopped
11. Salt to taste
12. 2 tbsp oil

Instructions

• Prepare the Kala Chana: Drain the soaked kala chana. In a pressure cooker, add the chana with enough water to cover them. Cook for 4 whistles on low-medium flame. Once done, strain the water and set the cooked chana aside .

Make the Tarri:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add the onion paste and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, amchur powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
5. Add the cooked kala chana and a cup of water. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
6. Prepare the Poha:
7. Wash the poha under cold water until it softens. Drain any excess water and set aside.
8. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add curry leaves.
9. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
10. Add the boiled potato and turmeric powder. Cook for a few minutes.
11. Add the soaked poha and salt. Mix gently.
12. Garnish with roasted peanuts and fresh coriander leaves.

Assemble the Dish:

• Place a serving of poha on a plate.
• Pour the hot tarri over the poha.
• Garnish with additional coriander leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

FAQs  For Tarri Poha

1. What is Tarri Poha?
Tarri Poha is a popular spicy breakfast dish from Nagpur, Maharashtra, made with flattened rice (poha) and a spicy black chickpea curry called “tarri.”

2. How is Tarri Poha different from regular Poha?
Unlike regular poha, Tarri Poha is topped with a spicy chickpea curry (tarri), giving it a bold flavor and extra richness.

3. Is Tarri Poha very spicy?
Tarri Poha is typically spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted according to your taste by controlling the chili content in the tarri.

4. Can I make Tarri Poha without black chickpeas?
Yes, you can substitute black chickpeas (kala chana) with other legumes like white peas or green gram, though the taste will vary slightly.

5. Is Tarri Poha healthy?
Yes, Tarri Poha is relatively healthy as it includes flattened rice, legumes, and spices. It’s rich in protein and carbs, making it a filling breakfast option.