Street Style Paneer Tawa Pulao

Step 1: Heat Oil and Butter

Heat a thick tawa (griddle) on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the tawa.

Step 2: Sizzle Cumin Seeds

Once the oil and butter are hot and bubbling, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Add 1 medium sliced onion to the tawa. Sauté the onions, stirring continuously with a spatula or spoon, until they become translucent and lightly golden brown.

Step 4: Add Green Chili and Ginger Garlic Paste

Add 1 finely chopped green chili (optional, adjust for spice preference) and 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of ginger garlic disappears.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Basic Spices

Add 1 roughly chopped tomato, salt to taste, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly with the sautéed ingredients and cook for 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 6: Add Mixed Vegetables

Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables (including corn, carrots, peas, beans, and capsicum) to the tawa. Mix well with the masala, ensuring the vegetables remain slightly crunchy.

Step 7: Add Dry Spices and Red Chili Paste

Add 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder, 1 tablespoon of pav bhaji masala, and 1 tablespoon of red chili paste (optional, for an authentic street-style chatpata flavor). Mix all the spices thoroughly with the vegetables.

Step 8: Add Water

Add a splash of water (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) to the mixture. This helps prevent the spices from burning and ensures they cook evenly, forming a cohesive masala.

Step 9: Add Paneer

Add 100g of cubed paneer pieces to the tawa. Gently mix the paneer with the vegetable and spice mixture, being careful not to break the paneer cubes.

Step 10: Add Boiled Rice and Garnish

Add 1 cup of pre-boiled rice, 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala over the mixture on the tawa.

Step 11: Mix Pulao

Gently mix all the ingredients on the tawa. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients from the outer edges towards the center, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful masala. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and heated through. Maintain medium heat throughout this process.

Step 12: Add Lemon Juice and Serve

Once the rice is thoroughly mixed and heated, squeeze half a lemon over the pulao and gently mix one last time. The Street Style Paneer Tawa Pulao is now ready to be served hot. Enjoy it with raita, chutney, salad, or as a standalone delicious meal.

• Adjust the quantity of green chili and red chili paste according to your spice preference, especially if making for children.

• If you don't have a thick tawa, you can prepare this pulao in a large pan or wok.

• When mixing ingredients on the tawa, use a spatula to push ingredients from the outer edges towards the center to prevent spillage.

• Maintain medium heat throughout the cooking process on the tawa for even cooking and to prevent burning.

• Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers.

• For a vegan version, replace paneer with firm tofu and butter with a plant-based alternative.