Tawa Pulao ~ Day 159

Tawa pulao is a famous and popular street food of  Mumbai or Bombay.   This aromatic rice is unique in a way since it is made with pav bhaji masala.  Mixed vegetables are sauteed in various spices and tossed with cooked rice and a splash of lemon juice.

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Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6

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Ingredients:

• Basmati rice - 2 cups
• Water - 8 cups
• Oil - 3 tbsp
• Ghee - 2 tbsp
• Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
• Onion - 1, sliced
• Ginger-garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Tomato paste - 1 tbsp
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves - 2 tbsp, each
• Frozen mixed vegetables - 2 cups
• Green pepper/capsicum - 1, cut into small chunks
• Cauliflower florets - 1 cup
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Red chili powder - 1 tsp
• Pav bhaji masala- 2 tbsp
• Salt - to taste
• Lemon juice - 2 tbsp

Method:

1. Wash and soak the rice for 20 minutes.   Bring water to boil in a large saucepan.  Add the rice and cook until soft and fluffy, but not mushy.   Drain the rice and transfer it to a bowl.   Add 1 tbsp oil to the rice and mix gently.   Set aside.
2. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet.  Add cumin seeds and let it sizzle.  Add the onion and saute for a minute.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 2 minutes.  Add the tomato paste, coriander leaves and mint leaves.   Saute for a minute.
4. Add the green pepper and cauliflower.  Saute for a minute.  Add the mixed vegetables, turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala and salt.  Mix well.  Sprinkle about 1/4 cups of water. Cover and cook over low heat, until the vegetables, are firm.  Add the cooked rice and 2 tbsp ghee and stir gently to coat the masala.  Check for salt and adjust accordingly.  Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
5. Serve hot with your choice of raita.