Learn To Cook Mumbai Style Tawa Pulao In 7 Easy Steps

Mumbai style Tawa Pulao is a vibrant and savory street food dish that captures the essence of Mumbai's bustling food scene. It’s a spicy rice dish that’s often served from roadside stalls and is beloved for its rich, bold flavors and quick preparation. Overall, Mumbai style Tawa Pulao is a flavorful, comforting dish that showcases the rich culinary diversity of Mumbai. Its combination of spices, vegetables, and the unique tawa cooking method makes it a memorable and enjoyable meal.

Mumbai style Tawa Pulao is a delicious street food that combines spicy rice with a medley of vegetables, cooked on a tawa (griddle). It’s a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:

1. Ingredients

– Rice: 1 cup (basmati or any long-grain rice)
– Water: 2 cups
– Vegetables: 1 cup (finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, beans, peas, etc.)
– Onion: 1 large (finely chopped)
– Tomato: 1 large (finely chopped)
– Green Chilies: 2-3 (slit or finely chopped, adjust to taste)
– Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
– Tawa Pulao Masala: 2 tablespoons (available in stores or homemade)
– Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
– Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
– Coriander Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
– Garam Masala: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
– Cumin Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
– Mustard Seeds: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
– Fresh Coriander Leaves: a handful (chopped, for garnish)
– Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
– Oil or Ghee: 2 tablespoons
– Salt: to taste

2. Instructions

Step 1- Cook the Rice:

– Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
– Cook the rice with 2 cups of water. You can use a rice cooker or a pot. Once cooked, fluff the rice and let it cool.

Step 2- Prepare the Vegetables:

– Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or tawa over medium heat.
– Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds (if using). Let them splutter.
– Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
– Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

Step 3- Add Tomatoes and Spices:

– Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and oil starts separating from the mixture.
– Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and tawa pulao masala. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.

Step 4- Cook the Vegetables:

– Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 5- Combine Rice and Vegetables:

– Gently fold in the cooked rice with the vegetable mixture. Be careful not to break the rice grains. Mix everything well.
– Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6- Finish the Dish:

– Add garam masala (if using) and mix.
– Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt to taste.
– Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.

Step 7- Serve:

– Serve hot with a side of raita, salad, or pickle.

Enjoy your homemade Mumbai style Tawa Pulao!