Introduction

 

The sizzle of spices on a hot tawa — a sound that never fails to make my mouth water. My journey with tawa masala began on a bustling street corner in Mumbai, where the air was thick with the aroma of street food. I watched in awe as the skilled vendors expertly cooked up a medley of ingredients on their sizzling tawas, creating dishes that were bursting with flavor. From that moment on, I was determined to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. After experimenting with various recipes and techniques, I finally mastered the art of making delicious tawa masala that rivals the flavors of the streets.

 

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Master Chef Ajay Chopra's Tawa Masala Recipe

 

Ingredients:

 

For Tawa Masala (Powdered):

• Coriander Seeds: 4 tsp
• Jeera (Cumin Seeds): 2 tsp 
• Black Pepper: 1 tsp 
• Fennel Seeds: 2 tsp 
• Cloves: ½ tsp
• Black Cardamom: 3 pcs 
• Mace: 1 small piece
• Stone Flower: 1 tbsp 

 

 

For Tawa Masala Gravy:

• Oil: 2 tbsp 
• Bay Leaves: 3 pcs 
• Chopped Onion: 4 pcs
• Ginger & Garlic Paste: 2 tsp 
• Green Chilli Paste: 1 tsp 
• Salt: 1 tsp 
• Red Chilli Powder: 2 tsp 
• Turmeric Powder: 1 tsp
• Coriander Powder: 1 tsp 
• Garam Masala: 1 tsp 
• Tomato Puree: 1 cup 
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tbsp 
• Bhindi (Okra): 1 cup, cut 
• Carrot: 1 cup, cut 
• Cauliflower: 1 cup, cut 
• French Beans: 1 cup 
• Baingan (Eggplant): 5-6 pcs 
• Karela (Bitter Gourd): 2-3 pcs 
• Bhavnagri Chilli: 2 pcs
• Potato Wedges: 1 cup  
• Amchur (Dried Mango Powder): 1 tbsp 
• Tawa Masala (Powdered): 1 tbsp 
• Red Chilli: 1 tsp 

 

 

Method:

 

Preparing the Powdered Tawa Masala:

1. Dry roast coriander seeds, jeera, black pepper, fennel seeds, cloves, black cardamom, mace, and stone flower in a heated pan until aromatic.
2. Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder and set aside.

Making the Tawa Masala Veggies:

1. Prepare the vegetables: slit the bhindi, cut carrot, cauliflower, French beans, baingan, karela, and make wedges from potatoes.
2. In a pan, heat oil and fry potato wedges and Bhavnagri chillies until golden brown and crisp.
3. Add cauliflower and carrot, fry until slightly tender.
4. Follow with baingan and bhindi, cooking until soft and roasted.
5. Fry karela and French beans until cooked through.
6. Sprinkle amchur powder, powdered tawa masala, and red chilli powder over the fried vegetables, mix well.

Preparing the Tawa Gravy:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add bay leaves, chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, and green chilli paste. Cook until onions are golden brown.
2. Add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
3. Pour water, simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add tomato puree. Cook until the gravy thickens.
4. Incorporate the powdered Tawa Masala into the gravy, cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add kasuri methi, let it simmer.

Finishing the Dish:

1. Heat a thick-bottomed tawa, add oil, fried vegetables, and Tawa gravy. Mix well.
2. Ensure the gravy coats the veggies evenly.
3. Serve hot with roti or rice.

Enjoy the vibrant colors and aromatic flavors of Chef Ajay Chopra's Mix Veg Tawa Sabzi, a perfect dish to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary skills!

 

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About the Recipe

 

Tawa masala is a versatile dish that hails from the streets of India, particularly popular in cities like Mumbai. It involves cooking an assortment of vegetables or meats on a hot tawa (griddle) with a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect for any meal. The key to the dish lies in the combination of spices and the high heat of the tawa, which imparts a unique charred flavor to the ingredients. Whether enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice, tawa masala never fails to delight the taste buds with its rich and complex flavors.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Preheat the Tawa

Ensure your tawa is well-heated before adding the ingredients. A hot tawa is essential for achieving that signature charred flavor and quick cooking.

2. Use Freshly Ground Spices

For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices rather than pre-packaged blends. Toasting whole spices and grinding them just before cooking will elevate the taste of your tawa masala.

3. Don't Overcrowd the Tawa

To allow the ingredients to cook evenly and develop a slight char, avoid overcrowding the tawa. Cook in batches if necessary, giving each ingredient enough space to sizzle and sear.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Tawa masala pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian bread like naan, roti, or paratha. It also complements steamed rice or flavored rice dishes like biryani. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of yogurt raita and a fresh salad.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tawa Masala

 

1. What is tawa masala? Tawa masala is a flavorful Indian dish made by cooking vegetables or meats on a hot tawa (griddle) with a blend of aromatic spices.

2. What spices are used in tawa masala? Common spices used in tawa masala include cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).

3. Can I make tawa masala without a tawa? While a tawa imparts a unique flavor to the dish, you can still make tawa masala using a regular frying pan or skillet.

4. Is tawa masala vegetarian? Tawa masala can be made with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian ingredients. Vegetarian versions often include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, while non-vegetarian versions may include chicken, shrimp, or paneer.

5. How spicy is tawa masala? The level of spiciness in tawa masala can vary depending on the amount of chili powder and green chilies used. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.

6. Can I make tawa masala ahead of time? Yes, tawa masala can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

7. What vegetables can I use in tawa masala? You can use a variety of vegetables in tawa masala, including potatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, peas, carrots, and beans.

8. Can I make tawa masala with meat? Yes, tawa masala can be made with chicken, shrimp, lamb, or any other meat of your choice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat used.

9. Is tawa masala gluten-free? Tawa masala is naturally gluten-free if made with gluten-free ingredients. However, always check the labels of packaged spices and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

10. What is the difference between tawa masala and kadai masala? While both dishes are cooked with a blend of spices on a cooking surface (tawa or kadai), tawa masala typically includes a wider variety of vegetables or meats, whereas kadai masala often focuses on a specific ingredient like paneer or chicken.

 

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