Add dry thick variety of flattened rice/poha in a strainer. Rinse it under running water until the grains turn soft and fluffy. All the grains should soft and not dry. (Read tip). Leave it in the strainer to drain the excess water.

Pre heat a pan on medium heat. Once the pan is hot enough, add oil, followed by mustard seeds. As soon as mustard seeds sizzle and pop add the raw peanuts. Let the peanuts get some color. Stir in chopped potatoes, onions, curry leaves, green chili.

Cook it until potatoes are soft and onions are translucent. Keep stirring and you can lower the heat and cover the pan too if you like. If you are adding other vegetables, then they should also go in at this time.

Once the vegetables are cooked, add rinsed poha and turmeric powder, salt and stir to combine. Add sugar too if you are using it. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it looks yellow and turmeric and other salt are mixed in and remove it.

Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice on top of poha. Garnish it with chopped cilantro. I leave the other toppings on the side for people to add whatever they like.