Aleepak Pohe: A Popular Street Food From Karnataka’s Belgaum

Poha, a beloved breakfast dish hailing from India, is crafted from flattened rice flakes. This dish is a delightful and wholesome option that boasts of effortless preparation and remarkable adaptability in its diverse variations. The preparation of poha varies from region to region, and even from kitchen to kitchen, resulting in a diverse range of flavours and techniques. Whilst exploring the culinary delights of Karnataka, we stumbled upon the renowned street food of Belgaum known as Aleepak Pohe.   

Here’s a recipe to make Aleepak poha at your home 

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp Black Salt  

100 g Cilantro  

1/2 cup Coconut  

20 g Ginger  

5 g Green Chili  

75 ml Lime Juice  

75 g Roasted Chana Dal  

1/4 cup Roasted Peanuts  

200 g Thin Poha  

Method: 

Incorporate the ginger, roasted chana dal, a majority of the coriander/cilantro, green chilies, and a portion of the lemon juice into a blender. Add black salt and pulse the mixture until it transforms into a thick, coarse paste. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized spheres, commonly referred to as "ladoos". Allow them to rest for a moment. 

For an exquisite touch, incorporate some roasted peanuts, the rest of the zesty lemon juice, freshly grated coconut, and the remaining 1/4 of finely chopped cilantro to the delicate poha. Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It is unnecessary to incorporate additional water into the poha. The addition of tangy lemon juice and coconut will impart a delectable moistness to the dish.  

For those who appreciate the pungent flavour of raw onions, a generous 1/4 cup can be incorporated into this dish. For an added textural element, consider incorporating some pomegranate into the dish. 

Gently crumble a couple of masala ladoos and incorporate evenly. For an exquisite presentation, top off your dish with a few perfectly crafted ladoos. 

Poha is an excellent option for health-conscious individuals due to its gluten-free nature, low-fat content, and high levels of carbohydrates and fibre. This dish can be relished as a standalone delicacy or paired with delectable chutneys or creamy yoghurt for a perfect culinary experience. It is a beloved dish among food enthusiasts for its effortless preparation, speedy cooking process, and delectable flavour profile, rendering it a sought-after breakfast choice in various regions of India.