Aval Orange Payasam / Poha (Flattened Rice) Orange Kheer ~ Day 75

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Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 3 to 4

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Ingredients:

• Aval / Poha / Flattened rice - 3/4 cup (White or Brown)
• Milk - 2 cups
• Sugar - 1/2 cup 
• Orange - 2, peeled, pulp removed from the fibers and chopped
• Ghee - 1 tsp
• Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
• Saffron strands - few
• Chopped nuts - for garnishing

Method:

1. In a small skillet, saute the poha in ghee until heated through.  Set it aside.
2. Boil milk in a saucepan.  Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often, until slightly reduced.
3. Add poha and cook until soft.  Add the sugar and cook for another 10 minutes to thicken (a semi porridge consistency).  If the kheer is too thick, add more lukewarm milk.  Add cardamom powder and saffron strands.  Mix well.  Cool completely.  
4. Once cooled, add the chopped oranges.  Chill before serving.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve.

Avalakki / Poha ~ Savory Flattened Rice Snack

Avalakki, also called poha (Aval in tamil)  is a breakfast dish from Karnataka.  It can also be served as a quick snack.  I first tasted Avalakki at my friend Rashmi's home and instantly it has become one my favorite snack.  Thank you Rashmi for this wonderful and simple recipe.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 3

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Ingredients:
Thin Aval / Poha - 1 cup, white or brown ( I used brown poha)
Onion - 1, medium, finely chopped
Peanuts - 1/4 cup
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Green chilies - 1, finely chopped
Asafoetida - a pinch
Red chili powder - 3/4 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Brown sugar - 2 tbsp
Shredded coconut - 1/4 cup
Salt - to taste
Curry leaves - few, finely chopped
Oil - 2 tbsp

Method:

1. Place poha in a large bowl.  Sprinkle little water and moisten the poha.  Make sure not the pour the water and make it mushy.  It has to retain the crispiness.
2. Heat oil in a skillet.  Add mustard seeds and let it splutter.
3. Add the peanuts, coriander and cumin seeds.  Fry for 2 minuted.
4. Add the chopped onion, green chili, asafoetida and curry leaves.  Fry until golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and add the turmeric and red chilie powder.
6. Add this mixture to poha along with brown sugar, coconut and salt.
7. Mix thoroughly with hand or spatula.  Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to absorb all the flavors.

Aval / Poha Puliodharai / Spiced Flattened Rice ~ Quick Version

Ingredients:
Aval / Poha/ Flattened Rice - 2 cups (Thick Variety)
MTR Pulodharai Mix - 4 TBSP (use more if you like it to be spicy)
Peanuts - 2 TBSP
Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp (optional)
Curry Leaves - few springs
Sesame  Oil - 2 TBSP

Method:

1. Wash aval / poha in water for couple of times.  Remove all the water and keep it aside to soak for  for 5 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add peanuts and fry for 30 seconds.  Add curry leaves, puliodharai mix, turmeric powder and salt.
3. Fry for 1minute in low flame.
4. Add the aval and gently mix until well incorporated. 
5. Serve hot.