Include in Print View:

Tawa Pulao

Tawa Pulao is one of Mumbai’s most iconic street foods — a vibrant, spicy rice dish that brings together the best flavors of pav bhaji and fried rice in one skillet. This dish originated on the streets of Mumbai where vendors toss leftover rice with spicy pav bhaji masala, colorful veggies, and a fiery red chilli garlic paste right on a large tawa (griddle). I’m sharing this recipe on my website because it’s a true comfort food — quick to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring the taste of Mumbai streets to your kitchen. Serve it hot for a satisfying lunch or dinner that your family will crave again and again. Click the link below to access the full Instagram Recipe!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Calories: 300
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Tawa Pulao is a delicious Mumbai street-style rice dish made with cooked basmati rice, sautéed vegetables, homemade red chilli garlic paste, and signature pav bhaji spices. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice and is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients
    For Red Chilli Garlic Paste:
  • 10 Kashmiri 10–12 red chillies (deseeded & soaked)
  • 15 cloves garlic
  • Water — as required
    • For Tawa Pulao:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/3 cup capsicum (julienne)
  • 1/3 cup tomato (sliced)
  • 1/3 cup cabbage (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp beetroot (grated)
  • 1 potato (boiled & diced)
  • 1/4 cup green peas (boiled)
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 tbsp prepared red chilli garlic paste
  • 1 cup basmati rice (boiled with a pinch of turmeric powder)
  • Small handful fresh coriander (chopped)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
    Prepare Red Chilli Garlic Paste:
  1. 1
    Soak the Kashmiri red chillies in warm water for 15-20 minutes until softened.
  2. 2
    Grind the soaked chillies and garlic cloves into a smooth paste using water as required. Set aside.
    3. Cook Tawa Pulao:
  3. 3
    Heat butter in a large tawa or pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  4. 4
    Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn light brown.
  5. 5
    Add the capsicum, tomatoes, cabbage, beetroot, boiled potatoes, and green peas. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
  6. 6
    Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt to the vegetables. Mix everything well.
  7. 7
    Add a little hot water (about 1/4 cup) to help the spices blend and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  8. 8
    Stir in 4 tbsp of the prepared red chilli garlic paste and mix thoroughly.
    9. Combine with Rice:
  9. 9
    Add the boiled Basmati rice to the pan and gently mix everything together until the rice is coated with the spices and vegetables.
  10. 10
    Add the lemon juice and fresh coriander. Mix gently to combine all the flavors.
    11. Serve:
  11. 11
    Your delicious Tawa Pulao is ready! Serve hot, garnished with more fresh coriander if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Tawa pulao, Mumbai street food, Indian rice, vegetarian fried rice
Read it online: https://foodfantasyyy.com/recipe/tawa-pulao/
Grishma Bulsara
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.