Heat a pan over medium heat. Add in poha and start roasting it for few mins till it is toasted and nice aroma comes from it. Remove it to a blender and powder it coarsely.
Now heat oil in the same kadai. Add all the seasoning ingredients and let it sizzle for a min.
Add in onions, carrots, green chilli and saute for couple of mins.
Add in water and salt and bring everything to a good boil.
Add in the powdered poha and mix well. keep stiring till it starts leaving the sides of pan and comes together as a mass. You can add some coconut at this stage.
Remove it to plate and allow it to a cool a bit.
Once it is cooled a bit, shape into balls or ovals.
Heat a steamer pot or idli cooker. Place the balls on greased idli plates and steam for 8 to 10 mins.
Once it is done, remove it to a plate. let it cool for couple of mins and serve.