Tawa Pulao/Tava Pulav-Mumbai Street Food Recipe

Tawa Pulav is a recent find that i m in love with. Oh yeah! Shame on me.. i have never heard of tawa pulav before M referred to it while we were talking about Mumbai street food. Then when i googled i got a pile of info about it, like its prepared with more or less with the same masala that is used in Pav Bhaji.
I like both rice and Pav Bhaji.. So y not try this combo? I really loved it and i must say that after trying it for a few times with variations, now i have my own recipe and it tastes good! I m not a big fan of Basmati rice except for in fried rice, and i use jeeraga samba for biryani so i have used the normal rice but you can use Basmati rice. Actually even left over rice can also be used up this way!

Ingredients:

Cooked Rice-2 cups

Mixed vegetables-1 cup

Capsicum-2, finely chopped

Onions-2, finely chopped

Tomatoes-2, finely chopped

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Pav Bhaji masala-1 tbsp

Salt-as needed

Cumin Seeds-1 tsp

Oil-2 tbsp

Chili-Garlic Paste:

Red chillies-4

Garlic pods-4, peeled

Soak red chillies in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and bkend them along with garlic pods to a smooth paste.

How it Happened:

1. Pressure cook the mixed vegetables for 1 whistle and set aside. I used carrots, peas and French beans (all cubed).

2. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and when they splutter add onions and sauté until glassy.

3. Add the chilli-garlic paste and sauté in simmer until the raw smell goes off.

4. Add tomatoes and capsicum and fry for a minute or so then add turmeric powder and salt.

5. Using the back of a ladle/potato masher slightly mash the tomatoes and other ingredients.

6. Now add the boiled vegetables with about ½ cup of water. Add the pav bhaji masala powder and mix well.

7. Allow the mixture to boil for 3-5 minutes or until it becomes thick and slurry.

8. Add in the cooked rice and slowly mix them with the curry. Take care not to break the rice.

9. Once when the rice is completely mixed, switch off the flame.

10. Serve hot with raita.

Notes:

*The use of veggies is optional. You can use cauliflower, potatoes etc.,

*In case if you can’t get fresh peas used soaked dried peas.

*I used chilli-garlic paste to spice up the dish. Instead you can add ginger garlic paste and chilli powder.

*My tomatoes were tangy, so the dish had enough tanginess. But in case if you want an extra punch serve with a wedge of lemon.

*Simple onion raita is the best accompaniment.

* You can garnish with chopped coriander.