11 Low-Calorie Indian Meals Ready in Minutes

7. Poha with Peanuts — Light, Tangy, and Ready in 10 Minutes

Poha, flattened rice, becomes a light meal in minutes. Rinse poha briefly to soften, then add a mustard-cumin tempering, curry leaves, turmeric, peas, and a small handful of roasted peanuts for crunch. Approximate calories: 220–260 kcal per serving. The key is portion control for peanuts—use them for texture rather than bulk. Poha makes a great tiffin option because it reheats well and stays light on the stomach. Quick method: soak poha for a minute, drain, and combine with sautéed spices and cooked peas. Pro tip: swap some of the poha for grated vegetables to add volume and fiber. Regional note: A Maharashtrian breakfast favourite that doubles as a fast lunch. Image filename suggestion: poha.jpg. Alt text: "Poha served with lemon wedge and coriander."