Street Style Paneer Tawa Pulao
Main Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
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.
Sizzle Cumin Seeds
Once the oil and butter are hot and bubbling, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant.
Sauté Onions
Add 1 medium sliced onion to the tawa. the onions, stirring continuously with a spatula or spoon, until they become translucent and lightly golden brown.
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 until the raw smell of ginger garlic disappears.
Add Tomatoes and Basic Spices
Add 1 roughly chopped tomato, salt to taste, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly with the ingredients and cook for until the tomatoes soften slightly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 7 swaps
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Paneer?
- Extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed — Pan-fry first for closer texture.
- Halloumi — Saltier; reduce added salt.
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoyCustomise
Such as mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- For a vegan versionDietary option
Replace paneer with firm tofu and butter with a plant-based alternative.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
Your Notes
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Saved only on this device.Example: Used less salt, cooked 5 minutes longer, added extra coriander.
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