If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with spice, aroma, and the unmistakable flavor of Mumbai’s street food, then Tawa Pulao is your go-to recipe. This iconic Indian rice dish is a spicy, buttery, and veggie-loaded delight that originated on the busy streets of Mumbai, where street vendors whip it up on large, sizzling tawas (flat griddles) next to their Pav Bhaji stalls.
It’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor. What makes it even better is that it’s vegetarian, requires basic pantry ingredients, and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. If you’re already a fan of flavorful Indian rice dishes like biryani or Vegetarian Pasta Primavera, you’ll fall in love with this vibrant pulao.
Table of Contents
What is Tawa Pulao?
Tawa Pulao is a spicy Indian rice dish that blends cooked basmati rice with sautéed vegetables and Pav Bhaji masala, a special spice mix that gives this dish its bold flavor. Traditionally cooked on a large tawa, it’s known for its rich red color, buttery texture, and mouth-watering aroma.
This dish is uniquely Mumbai-style, thanks to the liberal use of Pav Bhaji masala and butter. Unlike regular vegetable pulao recipes, which are mildly spiced and often pressure-cooked, Tawa Pulao is more intense, cooked quickly in a wide pan to enhance the texture and bring the ingredients together.
Tawa Pulao is the perfect way to use up leftover rice, turning it into a complete, flavorful meal. For something sweet to serve after, consider Strawberry Cloud Cake or Pumpkin Truffles.
Why This Tawa Pulao Recipe Works
This recipe is a must-try for many reasons:
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
Vegetarian-Friendly: No meat or eggs, perfect for Indian vegetarian diets
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike
One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients
Customizable: Add paneer, tofu, or your favorite veggies
Whether you’re looking for Easy Indian Dinner Ideas or just need a comforting weeknight meal, Tawa Pulao delivers both convenience and bold flavors.
Ingredients Needed for Tawa Pulao
Here’s everything you need to make authentic Mumbai-style Tawa Pulao at home:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (cooled or day-old rice works best)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ¼ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped carrots
- ¼ cup chopped capsicum (bell pepper)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1½ to 2 teaspoons Pav Bhaji masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
- Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
You can serve this with a side of Cucumber Dill Salad or cool Fruit Dip for a balanced plate.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this spicy Mumbai rice dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- A large tawa (griddle) or wide non-stick skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Spatula or flat spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Bowl for cooked rice
- Small bowl for spice prep
If you love quick one-pan meals, also try Crockpot Fajitas for another hassle-free dinner idea.
How to Make Tawa Pulao (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat butter and oil on a large tawa or skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they soften. Stir in the ginger garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for 30–60 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and turn mushy. Then toss in the carrots, peas, and capsicum. Sauté the vegetables until they’re cooked yet slightly crisp—this adds texture to your pulao.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Pav Bhaji masala. Mix well to combine the spices with the vegetables. The Pav Bhaji masala is the star here—it brings the tang, heat, and depth that define Tawa Pulao.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Gently fold in the cooked rice. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the grains. Ensure every grain is coated in the spice mix. If it looks a little dry, add a teaspoon of butter for that signature Mumbai street food touch.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Add chopped coriander leaves and give it a final toss. Serve hot with a wedge of lemon and some yogurt or raita on the side.
For more street food favorites, explore Mini Pancake Cereal or Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers — both kid-friendly and fun to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Tawa Pulao is best served hot straight off the pan. Here are a few pairing and presentation ideas:
Serve with a side of cucumber raita or spiced yogurt
Pair it with crispy papad or Garlicky Kale with Lemon
Add a crunchy element like Crispy Cauliflower Nuggets
Top with a sunny-side-up egg if you’re not strictly vegetarian
Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped coriander and a lemon wedge
It also works wonderfully for meal prep, making it a great lunchbox item or dinner bowl.
Tawa Pulao Recipe Tips
Use day-old rice: It holds its shape and absorbs the spices better
Cook on a wide pan: A tawa or large skillet helps spread the heat evenly
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Keep them slightly crunchy
Butter is key: For that street-style richness, don’t skip the butter
Use homemade Pav Bhaji masala for maximum flavor
And if you’re experimenting with flavors, try pairing with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or a sweet ending like Apple Fritter Donuts.
Tasty Variations of Tawa Pulao
Paneer Tawa Pulao: Add cubes of lightly sautéed paneer for extra protein
Jain Version: Skip onions and garlic and increase tomatoes and bell peppers
Spicy Schezwan Tawa Pulao: Add 1 tablespoon of Schezwan sauce for Indo-Chinese fusion
Brown Rice Version: Use cooked brown rice for added fiber
Protein Boost: Stir in tofu or cooked chickpeas for a hearty twist
Need another protein-rich twist? You might also enjoy High-Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Tawa Pulao
Using freshly cooked hot rice can make your pulao mushy
Overcooking vegetables reduces flavor and texture
Adding too much Pav Bhaji masala can overwhelm the dish
Not mixing gently can break the rice grains
Using low heat can cause the spices to clump instead of coating the rice
Want more dinner inspiration? Browse our Dinner Recipes for cozy, satisfying options.
How to Store and Reheat Tawa Pulao
To store leftover Tawa Pulao, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For reheating, use a skillet with a few drops of oil or butter and sauté until heated through.
Avoid microwaving directly from the fridge as it may dry out the rice. If needed, sprinkle a few drops of water before microwaving to retain moisture.
Serve leftovers with a dollop of yogurt or something cool like Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca.
Perfect Food Pairings for Tawa Pulao
Here are some perfect sides and drinks to pair with your Tawa Pulao:
Cucumber raita
Mint-coriander chutney
Pickled onions
Plain yogurt or boondi raita
Side of Vegetable Casserole
Drink options: Lavender Lemonade or Strawberry Cream Soda
Frequently Asked Questions About Tawa Pulao
Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, in fact, it works best with day-old rice for a better texture.
Is Tawa Pulao very spicy?
It can be, but you can adjust the chili level to suit your taste.
Can I make it without Pav Bhaji masala?
The flavor won’t be the same, but you can try garam masala with extra coriander and cumin.
Can I freeze Tawa Pulao?
Yes, freeze in portioned airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, reduce the chili and spice and it becomes a delicious lunchbox meal.
Health Benefits of Tawa Pulao Ingredients
Tawa Pulao is more than just delicious — it also packs nutrients:
Vegetables like carrots, peas, and capsicum add fiber and vitamins
Turmeric and chili powder provide anti-inflammatory benefits
Pav Bhaji masala often contains spices like coriander and cumin that aid digestion
Use brown rice or add beans for a fiber and protein boost
For more veggie-packed dishes, check out Healthy Veggie Egg Scramble.
Final Thoughts on This Tawa Pulao Recipe
Tawa Pulao brings together the best of Indian street food — vibrant, fast, spicy, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, party dish, or quick lunch, it’s guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings.
And when you’re in the mood for more comforting meals, don’t miss our popular Scalloped Potatoes or creamy Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal.
Print
Tawa Pulao Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Mumbai Street Food Favorite You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tawa Pulao is a bold and flavorful Mumbai street food classic made with fluffy basmati rice, sautéed vegetables, and pav bhaji masala. Cooked on a flat griddle for that authentic smoky touch, this dish is quick, vibrant, and perfect for weeknight dinners, festive spreads, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice (uncooked) or 3 cups cooked rice
- Water to cook rice
- Salt to taste
For the Tawa Pulao:
- 2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green capsicum, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2–3/4 cup mixed vegetables (boiled peas, carrots, beans)
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped coriander (cilantro)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse and cook basmati rice with salt until al dente. Drain and spread to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: Boil peas, carrots, and beans until tender. Finely chop onion, tomato, and capsicum.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter on a tawa or skillet. Add ginger garlic paste, sauté until fragrant. Stir in onion and cook until soft.
- Add Vegetables & Tomatoes: Add capsicum and cook 2–3 minutes, then stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Bloom Spices: Mix in pav bhaji masala, chili powder, and salt. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Combine Rice & Veggies: Add boiled vegetables and cooled rice. Gently toss until rice is coated with masala.
- Finish: Garnish with coriander and lemon juice. Serve hot with raita or salad.
Notes
- Use day-old or cooled rice to prevent stickiness.
- Pav bhaji masala is essential for authentic Mumbai flavor.
- Butter adds street-style richness — mix with oil if preferred.
- Cook briefly on high heat at the end for smoky flavor.
- Add paneer or mushrooms for protein and variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Street Food
- Method: Stovetop / Tawa Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian (Mumbai Street Food)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: Tawa Pulao, Mumbai Street Food, Pav Bhaji Rice, Spicy Indian Rice, Vegetarian Pulao, Easy Rice Recipe, Indian Dinner Ideas, Masala Rice, Street Style Rice, Pav Bhaji Masala Recipes
