It is World Poha Day Today! Also known as Vishwa Poha Diwas, this day is dedicated to India's favourite breakfast item, Poha. The tangy, spicy, crispy, yet soft snack is the perfect vegetarian breakfast item in India. With #विश्व_पोहा_दिवस trending online on Twitter, you must have gotten a magnitude of India's love for Poha. The day celebrates the light, healthy breakfast food that almost every Indian in fond of. The day doesn't have an age-old history or any kind of storyline behind it, it all started online around 3-4 years ago when some pranksters took to Twitter to celebrate the day as "World Poha Day." And if you are someone who doesn't know what poha is, you are missing out on a yummy treat for your tummy!

Here's everything you want to know about Poha

What Is Poha Made Of?

Poha is made out of rice, it is an Indian flattened rice dish. The otherwise crispy flattened rice is softened and made easy-to-cook. Usually eaten with mint-coriander chutney, poha is a breakfast or brunch recipe. The beaten rice is also known as Attukulu in Telugu, Aval in Tamil and Malayalam, Avalakki in Kannada, Chiura, Chuda in Odia, Chira in Bengali and Sira in Assamese.

Is Poha Is Good for Health?

Poha is known to be one of the healthiest Indian breakfast. Although it is made out of rice it is low in calories and is a wholesome meal. It is a good source of carbohydrates and iron and is also rich in fibre, antioxidants and essential vitamins. Very importantly it is gluten-free which means it can be eaten by people who suffer from gluten allergy or intolerance.

What Is Poha Called In English?

Poha in English is called Flattened rice or beaten rice. Poha is the dehusked form of rice which is flattened into flat light dry flakes that are crispy. Also known as "Pohe" in Malwa region, the main ingredient is also fried and eaten as a crispy snack

Is Poha Healthier Than Rice?

Poha is a form of rice but is equally healthy. It is just known to have less fibre than Brown Rice and is often fed babies as their first food. Easy to digest, the palatable snack is rich in essential B - Vitamins and Iron content which makes it a healthy food.

Is Poha Good for Diabetics?

Poha is good for diabetics if taken in moderation. Since it is high in fibre, it helps lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Apart from poha, whole grains, oats, channa atta, millets and other high fibre foods can be eaten by diabetics.

In Which State Poha Is Famous?

Poha is mainly famous in Maharashtra, but this desi snack is prepared in the Indian states of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat as well. Indori pohay is another spicy version of it but  Kanda Poha originated from Maharashtra. In Odisha it is called Chuda Santula.

Quick and Easy Poha Recipe

Poha is best served with some crispy farsan/bhujia, freshly chopped onions and lemon juice. Peanuts form an essential part of poha so if you are allergic to it, you might want to exclude it from your poha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2019 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).