Tawa Vegetable Fried Rice, often known as Desi Fried Rice, is a popular and flavorful Indian twist on traditional fried rice. This dish is a delightful fusion of aromatic basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and Indian spices, cooked on a tawa (a flat, round griddle). It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish to complement curries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (preferably a day old, as it helps to prevent clumping)
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, corn, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (preferably mustard oil for a more authentic flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Rice:
- If you’re using freshly cooked rice, let it cool down or spread it out on a tray to avoid it becoming sticky. Leftover rice works best as it has a firmer texture, making it ideal for frying.
- Heat the Tawa:
- Place the tawa (griddle) on medium-high heat and add oil or ghee. Allow it to heat up for a minute.
- Temper the Spices:
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chili, sautéing them for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of garlic disappears.
- Add Vegetables:
- Toss in the mixed vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes, ensuring they stay crisp yet tender. If you’re using frozen vegetables, thaw them beforehand and sauté for a bit longer.
- Spice it Up:
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Combine Rice and Soy Sauce:
- Add the cooked rice to the vegetable mixture, breaking up any clumps. Stir gently to combine everything evenly. Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice, and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Finishing Touches:
- Season with salt to taste and sprinkle amchur powder (or squeeze some lemon juice) to add a tangy punch. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, optionally with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zest. Tawa Vegetable Fried Rice can be enjoyed on its own or paired with Indian curries, raita, or even grilled meats for a full meal.
Tips:
- Rice Texture: The key to perfect fried rice is ensuring the rice grains remain separate and non-sticky. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before using it in the recipe.
- Tawa Cooking: Using a tawa gives the fried rice a smoky, charred flavor that is highly characteristic of Indian-style fried rice. If you don’t have a tawa, a wok or large skillet will work too.
- Vegetables: You can adjust the vegetables based on your preference or availability. Corn, peas, carrots, and capsicum are the most commonly used, but you can also add beans, cabbage, or even spinach.
Variations:
- Paneer Tawa Fried Rice: For a more filling dish, add cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) along with the vegetables for extra protein and richness.
- Spicy Tawa Fried Rice: Add a dash of red chili sauce, green chili paste, or even some fresh chopped green chilies to intensify the heat.
- Non-Vegetarian Tawa Fried Rice: You can also add leftover cooked chicken or prawns to make this dish non-vegetarian.
Tawa Vegetable Fried Rice is a versatile dish that brings together the goodness of vegetables with the rich flavors of Indian spices. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a vibrant side dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its bold, comforting flavors. Enjoy!
