# Tawa Pulao: Mumbai’s Cherished Street Delight
Tawa pulao is a colorful and savory vegetarian rice dish that has established itself as a key aspect of Mumbai’s lively street food landscape. Crafted on a flat iron skillet known as a “tawa,” this dish is a wonderful blend of spices, vegetables, and rice, appealing to both locals and visitors alike.
## The Heart of Tawa Pulao
Essentially, tawa pulao is a straightforward yet mouthwatering dish that merges boiled rice with an assortment of sautéed vegetables and a special spice mix called pav bhaji masala. This fragrant spice blend, initially developed for the famous street food pav bhaji, imbues the rice with a deep flavor that is difficult to resist. The dish is commonly topped with fresh coriander and accompanied by a cooling raita or yogurt, making it a wholesome meal.
### Ingredients and Cooking Process
To prepare tawa pulao, you will require the following key ingredients:
– **Boiled Rice**: Leftover rice is ideal for this recipe, as it is less sticky and easier to incorporate with the vegetables and spices.
– **Mixed Vegetables**: Popular choices include carrots, peas, capsicum, potatoes, and cauliflower. These vegetables should be blanched to preserve their crunch and vibrant appearance.
– **Pav Bhaji Masala**: The key ingredient that lends tawa pulao its distinctive flavor.
– **Butter**: Adds richness and complexity to the dish.
– **Tomatoes**: Fresh tomatoes contribute moisture and acidity, balancing the spices perfectly.
– **Fresh Coriander**: For garnish and added freshness.
### Cooking Instructions
1. **Sauté the Vegetables**: On a hot tawa or griddle, melt some butter and add chopped onions and tomatoes. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the tomatoes soften.
2. **Incorporate Spices**: Stir in the pav bhaji masala and any extra spices, such as red chili powder, to suit your taste.
3. **Mix in Rice and Vegetables**: Add the blanched vegetables and boiled rice to the tawa. Blend everything well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the masala.
4. **Garnish and Serve**: Top with a sprinkle of fresh coriander and serve hot alongside raita or yogurt.
### The Street Food Journey
To truly savor the genuine flavor of tawa pulao, one should indulge in it from the street vendors that line the streets of Mumbai, particularly in popular areas like Juhu Beach. The vibrant energy of the city, combined with the enticing aroma of spices in the air, creates an unforgettable dining experience. While you can replicate the dish at home, the unique flavors and atmosphere of street food are challenging to mimic.
### A Fast and Wholesome Meal
Tawa pulao is not just delightful but also a quick and healthy meal alternative. It is filled with vegetables, making it a fantastic option for children’s lunchboxes. The dish is adaptable, allowing you to personalize it with your preferred vegetables or even utilize leftover pav bhaji for quicker preparation.
### Conclusion
Tawa pulao is more than a mere dish; it embodies the essence of Mumbai’s dynamic street food culture. Its blend of spices, vegetables, and rice forms a flavorful one-pot meal that is simultaneously satisfying and nourishing. Whether enjoyed from a street vendor or prepared at home, tawa pulao is a culinary treasure that deserves a spot in every food enthusiast’s collection. Therefore, the next time you’re in Mumbai, seize the opportunity to relish this iconic dish!