PCOS-friendly poha

Poha is a beloved breakfast, but plain poha is mostly carbs, which can spike your blood sugar. The good news is that a few simple additions turn it into a balanced, PCOS-friendly meal without changing what you love about it. This is the smarter poha.

Why it helps

Plain poha on its own raises blood sugar quickly. By adding protein, such as peanuts and sprouts, and plenty of vegetables, you slow that down and stay full longer. It is a perfect example of the CurviCare idea: do not ban your favourite food, just balance it. Can I eat rice and roti with PCOS?

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1.5 cups thick poha, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup boiled sprouts (moong)
• Handful of peanuts
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small potato, diced small (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (carrot, peas, capsicum)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• Curry leaves, 1 green chilli
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 1 to 2 teaspoons oil
• Lemon juice and coriander to finish

Method

1. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilli and peanuts. Let the peanuts crisp a little.
2. Add onion and cook until soft, then add the vegetables and potato. Cook until tender.
3. Add turmeric and salt.
4. Add the rinsed poha and boiled sprouts. Mix gently and warm through.
5. Finish with lemon juice and coriander.

Make it your own

• Add extra sprouts for more protein.
• Serve with a bowl of curd on the side to make it a fuller, more balanced meal.
• Go easy on the potato if you want to keep the carbs lower.

See how this fits the CurviCare Plate, and browse more PCOS meal ideas.