Mumbai’s Famous Tava Pulao

c
@chefspalette

A flavorful and spicy rice dish from Mumbai, made with a mix of vegetables and aromatic spices.

Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
35min
Mumbai’s Famous Tava Pulao recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = one portion)

For the Pulao

  • 3cups
    cooked basmati rice
  • 2tbsp
    butter or oil
  • 1tsp
    cumin seeds
  • 1piece
    medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1piece
    green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1tsp
    ginger-garlic paste
  • 2piece
    medium tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/2cup
    finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum)
  • 1/2cup
    boiled green peas
  • 1/2cup
    boiled and cubed carrots
  • 1/2cup
    boiled and cubed potatoes
  • 1/4cup
    chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)

Spices

  • 2tsp
    pav bhaji masala
  • 1/2tsp
    turmeric powder
  • 1/2tsp
    red chili powder
  • Salt to taste

For Garnishing

  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra butter
  • Fresh coriander leaves

How to make Mumbai’s Famous Tava Pulao

Prepare the Tava Base

  1. Heat a large tava or a regular pan on medium heat.

  2. Add butter and let it melt.

  3. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.

Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the chopped onion and green chili. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.

  2. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Cook the Tomatoes and Vegetables

  1. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.

  2. Add bell peppers, boiled peas, carrots, and potatoes. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add Spices

  1. Sprinkle pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.

  2. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly.

Add the Rice

  1. Add the cooked rice to the pan and gently mix to combine it with the vegetable mixture. Be careful not to break the rice grains.

  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Finishing Touch

  1. Stir in chopped coriander leaves and an extra dollop of butter for added richness.

Serve Hot

  1. Serve the Tava Pulao hot with lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a final touch.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can become mushy.

  2. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.

  3. Add other veggies like cauliflower or beans for extra nutrition.

FAQS

  1. Can I use leftover rice for this Tava Pulao recipe?

    Yes, using leftover cooked basmati rice is a great option for Tava Pulao as it helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy during cooking.

  2. What can I substitute for pav bhaji masala if I don't have it?

    If you don't have pav bhaji masala, you can create a similar flavor by using a mix of garam masala, coriander powder, and a pinch of cumin powder.

  3. Is it possible to make Tava Pulao vegetarian?

    Yes, Tava Pulao is naturally vegetarian as it is made with a variety of vegetables and spices. Just ensure that the butter or oil you use is vegetarian.

  4. How can I adjust the spiciness of the Tava Pulao?

    You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer green chilies, or by reducing the amount of red chili powder used in the recipe.

  5. What can I serve with Tava Pulao?

    Tava Pulao is typically served with lemon wedges and can be accompanied by raita (yogurt dip) or a side salad for a complete meal.

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c

@chefspalette

Chefspalette is a culinary artist known for her innovative fusion recipes that merge traditional flavors with modern twists. Writing for Chefadora involves exploring diverse cuisines,...

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