To a strainer, add 1 & ½ cups of poha (flattened rice). Rinse it under running water until it turns soft. To check if it's done, press a flake between your thumb and index finger, it should break easily. Then to the poha, add ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon sugar (optional). Toss to combine everything and then set it aside while you make the tadka in the pan.