### Tawa Pulao: Mumbai’s Famous Vegetarian Rice Delicacy
Tawa pulao is a cherished street food item from Mumbai, celebrated for its lively flavors and swift cooking time. This vegetarian rice dish is generally prepared on a flat griddle, or “tawa,” and represents a blend of diverse ingredients that come together to form a delicious meal.
#### Ingredients and Cooking Method
The essence of tawa pulao lies in mixed vegetables stir-fried in a spicy masala base, paired with boiled rice. The distinctive element that differentiates tawa pulao is pav bhaji masala, a fragrant spice mix typically employed in making pav bhaji, a popular street food in Mumbai.
To make tawa pulao, you will require:
– Cooked rice (ideally leftover for ease)
– Mixed vegetables (like carrots, beans, cauliflower, potatoes, capsicum, and green peas)
– Butter
– Tomatoes
– Pav bhaji masala
– Fresh coriander leaves
– Optional: Red chili paste or Kashmiri chili powder for added color and spice
The cooking method includes sautéing the chopped vegetables in butter, incorporating tomatoes and pav bhaji masala, and then mixing in the boiled rice. It’s vital to maintain a slight crunch in the vegetables for optimal texture.
#### Street Food Adventure
To experience an authentic tawa pulao, a visit to the chaat stalls at Mumbai’s lively streets or Juhu beach is essential. These street vendors have honed the craft of creating tawa pulao, infusing it with distinctive flavors that are challenging to replicate at home. Nevertheless, with a straightforward recipe, you can bring a similar dish to life in your kitchen.
#### Rapid Meal Solution
Tawa pulao is not only tasty but also a rapid meal choice, especially when utilizing leftover rice. The preparation is simple, needing just the chopping and blanching of vegetables. This dish is ideal for children’s lunch boxes, rich in nutrients from the assorted vegetables and served with raita or yogurt for a complete meal.
#### Variations and Suggestions
For those eager to try something new, tawa pulao can also be prepared using leftover pav bhaji, creating an even quicker alternative. The dish can be tailored by adjusting the vegetables based on personal preference, ensuring it stays a flexible addition to your cooking collection.
In summary, tawa pulao is a flavorful one-pot dish that captures the spirit of Mumbai’s street food scene. Its mix of spices, vegetables, and rice makes it a delightful dish that is both filling and easy to make. Whether savored at a street vendor or crafted at home, tawa pulao is a treasure among Indian pulao recipes that should not be overlooked.