Rice flakes, also known as Pohe or flattened rice, are a popular cereal product made from rice that has been processed into thin, flaky pieces. The preparation involves several steps: first, the rice is cleaned to remove impurities, then dehulled to remove the outer husk. The grains are soaked in water to reduce anti-nutrients, followed by solar drying and gentle roasting in a traditional pan called uruli. After roasting, the rice is passed through roller mills to flatten it into flakes and then oven-dried to lower moisture content and extend shelf life. Rice flakes are versatile and used in a variety of dishes such as Poha, Puttu, Chiwda, Pongal, and various desserts.
- Rice flakes (Pohe) are flattened, processed rice.
- Cleaning: Rice is cleaned to remove impurities.
- Dehulling: Outer husk is removed.
- Soaking: Rice is soaked to reduce anti-nutrients.
- Drying & Roasting: Sprouted rice is solar-dried and roasted in uruli.
- Flaking: Roasted rice is flattened using roller mills.
- Final Drying: Flakes are oven-dried to reduce moisture.