Teek Phovu (Spicy Flattened Rice)

Teek Phovu is one of the breakfast which was commonly prepared few years back. It was also served in the morning for special occasions like marriage, thread ceremony. I see that the people belonging to the new generation are not a great fan of this humble breakfast. It is very commonly served along with Chane Usli and this combination works very well. In konkani, teek means spicy and phovu means flattened rice.

I used to hate it as a kid and grumble whenever my amma made it. Now I make once in a while. My amma loves Teek Phovu. 
Try making this. Its simple and easy to make! Remember to make it on a week end because it takes more time to chew and hence difficult for those who reserve 3-4 minutes for their breakfast:-)

Ingredients:

• Flattened rice- 1- 1 1/2 cup (vary accordingly)

For Phova Chutney:

• Grated coconut, Fresh/Frozen- 1/2 cup
• Roasted Red chilli- 2-3
• Coriander seeds- 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds/Jeera- 1/2 tsp
• Jaggery- 1 Tbsp
• Salt- To taste
• Oil- 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds- 1/2 tsp
• Curry Leaves- Few

Procedure:

First we need to make Phova Chutney. Phova chutney is nothing but a spicy, coarse mixture of coconut. To make this- Grind roasted red chilli, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, jaggery, salt to get a fine powder (don't add water). Once ground, add the grated coconut to it and give 3-4 pulses. The grated coconut should be coarse and well mixed with the spices. Then transfer it to a bowl. 

For seasoning- Heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once it starts spluttering, add curry leaves and turn off the heat. Add this to the spicy coconut mixture. Phova Chutney is ready!!

Next comes the mixing part. Take a large mixing bowl and transfer the phova chutney to it. Then add the flattened rice to it(don't add everything at a time) and mix well so that the spice mixture gets distributed uniformly. Give it a taste test and add more flattened rice if it is too spicy. Teek Phovu is ready!!

Serve it as soon as it is done. Generally it is served along with Chane Usli. Indeed a filling breakfast:-) Enjoy it along with a hot cup of coffee/tea.

Note: Mix the Phova chutney few minutes before serving. If kept for more time then it becomes a little soggy. You can as well store the chutney for 1-2 days, in a refrigerator.