Growing up, for considerable number of years, in the Northern parts of India has definitely played its part in expanding my palate's horizon. The otherwise routine South Indian flavors were jazzed up with a burst of Garam Masala(s), aromatic tea(s) and hearty wheat goodness in the form of flatbreads (roti(s)).  Of course, the kid in me had no clue whatsoever about all that myriad tastes that her tongue was imbibing - thanks to an ever curious mom's antics in the kitchen. What mattered was how it tasted and am blessed to have an awesome cook for a mother. It shows, even today, in the way I look..er..ahem..I mean in the way I cook! It was only after I discovered the cook in me (years later with the advent of marriage!) that I slowly distinguished the regions of where the familiar flavors (and my favorite foods)  came from.

Like this Batata Poha for example (among many others). I grew up enjoying this dish for tiffin after school (though never for breakfast) on and off. It was a favorite - for the simple and child like reason that it had potatoes. Sigh! Those uncomplicated and Not-so-complex years! Little did I know ( or care to)  that it was in fact a Maharashtrian Breakfast recipe. What mattered was it was delicious in an uncomplicated, comforting way. Spices are minimal and subtle just enough to enhance the potatoes. Roasted Peanuts add to a flavorful crunch amidst softer and moist Rice flakes. Lemon juice gives it a light tang and the garnish makes it look more appealing with a burst of color in the sea of yellow. This is NOT a "I-am-going-blow-your-mind-away" kinda dish, but more like "I-am-going-make-you-feel-warm-and-cozy" with its promise of filling you up without weighing you down.