1. Wash the poha  , soak it for few minutes ,drain and sprinkle some salt and keep aside covered.
2. Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin triangles as shown in the picture and immerse them in water till use.
3. Heat oil in a kadhai and add mustard seeds .when they splutter add curry leaves and jeera.
4. Add slit green chilli and chopped onions and fry for a while (do not brown the onions).
5. Now add the turmeric powder and the chopped potatoes and stir for a while.
6. Sprinkle some salt ,few drops of water and close the lid and cook the potatoes on a low flame till they are done which will take about 5-8 minutes.
7. Remove the lid and add the soaked poha, coconut ,salt as required and mix well.
8.  At this stage add the sugar if using and check for salt and mix again .
9. Switch of the flame and add lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
10. Serve hot with a cup of tea or coffee.

batata phovu

Notes:

1. Thick poha again is available in two types in some places… i.e. medium thick and thick ones… so soaking time also varies according to the poha used.
2. If medium thick-just wash and drain and keep covered.
   If thick then you need to soak them for few minutes as mentioned in the method above.
3. You can also pressure cook the potatoes ,peel- crumble them and add after frying the onions, give a gentle mix   and then proceed with the remaining method.