Please excuse me for a very long post but worth reading. During marriage season Tawa Sabzi or Tava Fry Veggies is a common item on the buffet menu. As the name suggest tawa sabzi means array of seasonal veggies that are spread around a hot tawa/griddle and when asked that particular veggie gets all the attention 😉 – it is brought in the center of the griddle; tossed in masala, sprinkled with chaat masala and served to the guests right off the hot tawa. Sounds interesting.. isn’t it? It’s utterly delicious.
I have used all the veggies that were available in the local market but more veggies can be added like arbi, lauki slices, big mirchis and so on. Bitter gourd needs to be marinated in curd and salt for half an hour before being cooked. Curd- salt mixture helps draws out the bitter juices from the bitter gourd.
Traditionally veggies are deep fried for tawa sabzi recipe but to cut down on the calorie count I prefer toasting my veggies in kadhai and oven – the end result is the same. 
Preparing the masala is a standard procedure. Make sure the masala is not too dry before mixing in the veggies. If the masala feels dry, add some water and make it moist, this way veggies can get smeared and coated pretty easily.
When I usually prepare Tawa sabzi for my guests, instead of doing the traditional way (spreading veggies around the tawa) I cook and coat my veggies before hand and then spread it around the hot tawa/griddle. This way my guests find it easier to pick whichever vegetable they like (bhindi being the most liked one and karela the least 😉 )
This recipe can be prepared without onion and garlic. Follow this link and choose the ingredients you want to use for your gravy. Do give it a try and I am sure you are going to love it.
TOATL TIME – 60 MINUTES
- Prep time – Chopping veggies and karela marinade – 20 minutes
- COOK TIME – 40 MINUTES
- Browning of veggies – 20 minutes
- Cooking of Masala – 10-12 minutes
- Assembling of veggies – 10 minutes
Looking for other recipes – Lauki koftas, Paneer tikka masala, Paneer pasanda, Bharwan dum aloo, Kadai paneer,Paneer tikka, Paneer tikka pulao and more….
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Tawa Sabzi or Tava Fry Veggies
Ingredients
VEGETABLES
- 5 pieces of Bitter gourd (karela)
- 15-20 pieces of Pearl Onions
- 5 pieces of Baigan
- 12 sticks of Paneer
- 1/2 kg Okra (bhindi) (500 gms.)
- 1 large Potato
- 2 tablespoon Oil
SPICE MIX
- 2 teaspoon Coriander powder (sukha dhaniya)
- 1 teaspoon Roasted cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
- 1 teaspoon Pomegranate seedspowder
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Haldi (Turmeric powder)
- 1 teaspoon Amchur Powder (Mango Powder)
- 1/8 teaspoon Eliachi Powder (Cardamon Powder)
- 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
- A pinch of Nutmeg powder (Jaiphel)
- 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala
- A pinch of Hing/ Asafoetida
MASALA PREPARATION
- 2 medium Onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
- 1/4 cup Beaten Curd (yogurt)
- 3 large Tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup Cream (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Kastoori methi/ dried fenugreek leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoon Oil/Ghee
- 1/2 cup Curd + salt (to marinade Karela)
Instructions
VEGETABLE PREPARATION
- Clean and wash Bitter gourd (karela).
- Using a knife scrape the surface of karela.
- All cleaned bitter gourds.
- Slit them lengthwise, if the seeds are embedded like the one shown in the picture below, leave them inside but if the seeds are hard and big remove them from the karela.
- Take curd in a bowl, add salt and mix. Toss karela in this mixture and coat it well.
- Allow it to sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile let's prep up rest of our ingredients. Clean and wash okra/bhindi.
- Cut them lengthwise. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake okra pieces at 400 degree F for 20 minutes or until crisp.
- Meanwhile clean and wash baigan. Peel and wash pearl onions. Slice paneer and finally peel, wash and slice potatoes into wedges.
- Heat and grease a kadhai. Add paneer slices and cook till evenly crisp from all the sides. Set them aside.
- Toss pearl onions in the same kadhai and cover and cook till soft and lightly caramelized. Set them aside on a plate.
- Toss potato and baigan in the same kadhai and cook till evenly brown and tender.
- Time to clean and wash karelas. Squeeze out extra water and toss them in the heated kadhai and cook till tender.
- All the veggies are cooked and tender.
SPICES
- Time to assemble all the dry spices.
- Combine them in a bowl...
- And mix them thoroughly.
- All the spices together will make a little less than 1/4 cup of spice mix.
MASALA PREPARATION
- Let's move on to the masala preparation. Chop onions, puree tomatoes and ginger - garlic. You can prepare this recipe without onion and garlic too - follow link in the main post.
- Assemble all the ingredients next to the stove.
- In a kadhai heat oil, add cumin seeds and when they start to sputter mix in ginger garlic paste. Saute for a minute and then stir in chopped onions.
- Cook till onions are translucent - it took me 3 :17 minutes. Mix in tomato puree and cook till all the liquid has evaporated.
- Add curd and mix. Stir in the spice mix and mix till fully blended.
- Add salt and cream and cook till everything is fully blended. If masala feels dry sprinkle some water and keep it moist.
- Finally add kastoori methi and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasonings and let's start assembling the tawa sabzi.
ASSEMBLING TAWA SABZI
- Assembling can be done in two ways. One - assemble all the veggies around a warm tawa in a circle and place the masala in the center.
- Bring veggies one by one coat in masala, sprinkle some chaat masala and serve hot.
- Other way which I use to assemble my tawa sabzi is - by adding 1.5 tablespoon masala for each veggies to the kadhai... (for example 1.5 tablespoon masala for bhindi, 1.5 tablespoon masala for onions, 1.5 tablespoon masala for potatoes and so on..)
- Add veggies one by one, coat them in masala, sprinkle some water and chaat masala. For karelas - coat the inside of karelas with some masala, this way they will not taste bland.
- And spread them all around the hot tawa. This way my guest can pick any veggies they like from the hot tawa and enjoy!!
Bijal Shah says
January 30, 2019 at 1:21 pmI made this for a party last year and it was a super duper hit. Thanks for the detailed recipe. it’s Fabulous
Ruchi says
February 2, 2019 at 11:26 amPleasure is all mine, Bijal!
Thank you for your feedback. 🙂
Dr Priyanka Wadhwani says
December 22, 2018 at 11:25 amHi Ruchi
I tried this a couple of times recipe is really awesome , the step by step guide makes it so simple .thanks for the excellent efforts by you .
Ruchi says
December 23, 2018 at 10:02 amPleasure is all mine.
Thank you, Dr. Priyanka!
MRS V Anuradha says
September 19, 2018 at 2:36 amThanks for the recipe
Ruchi says
September 19, 2018 at 9:24 amPleasure is all mine. 🙂
k.v.rao says
May 13, 2018 at 11:30 pmbest Explaination & Presentaion compare to other big shots.
Ruchi says
May 14, 2018 at 2:48 pmThank you so much!
Kalyani says
September 19, 2017 at 5:26 pmHi Ruchi, thank you for the wonderful recipe. I tried it and it tastes yummy.
I had lot of vegetables and wanted to try something new with before the vegetables go bad. Came across your recipe and the photos tempted me to try it. I used cauliflower, red and green peppers, and soy nuggetsauce instead of Karela and paneer. Your explanation and photos are delight to follow and makes the long process easy and fun.
Ruchi says
September 25, 2017 at 9:30 amThanks Kalyani for your wonderful feedback. Glad to hear that you liked the recipe. 🙂
sandeep Kaur says
November 18, 2016 at 6:52 pmHi,
I want to try this recipe but I have one question. What can I use instead of cream?
Thanks
Ruchi says
November 19, 2016 at 9:41 amSandeep, cream adds a creamy and velvety texture to the masala but if you like you can skip cream altogether.
Pauravi Medhi says
November 10, 2016 at 6:26 amHi, I really loved this receipe. You have explained it so beautifully without skipping a single step. I tried your receipe twice n it’s loved by my family. Thank you so much!!!
Ruchi says
November 10, 2016 at 11:08 amPleasure is all mine Pauravi.
Glad you liked the recipe and thanks for sharing your valuable feedback with me. 🙂
ME says
November 7, 2016 at 10:56 amThanks…just made the masala after I got back from work. Tastes yummy…Will do the vegetables i.e. psrt 2 tomorrow.
Ruchi says
November 7, 2016 at 12:11 pmAwesome. If possible do share some pics.
Hope you enjoy the dish. Thanks!
Kirti BORKAR says
October 13, 2016 at 1:11 amI had tried it yesterday…….everyone loved it…thanks ruchi
Ruchi says
October 13, 2016 at 1:30 pmPleasure is all mine. Glad you liked. 🙂
Paridhi says
August 24, 2016 at 8:55 amSeems a wonderful recipe. Very nicely presented. Mouth watering. Will definitely try..
Ruchi says
August 24, 2016 at 11:44 amSure. Thanks Paridhi. 🙂
Trupti says
July 30, 2016 at 2:24 amVery nice explanation…we can understand it very easily
Loved it…
Thank you for such a wonderful recipe..
Ruchi says
July 30, 2016 at 9:41 amYou are welcome Trupti. I’m pleased you found the recipe helpful. 🙂
Priya says
June 2, 2016 at 10:08 pmhi Ruchi, I have been looking for the perfect tawa subzi for last six years.. But always get disappointed Becos it has to be deep fried..Glad found which is in less oil.. Can make and eat guilt free.. Amazing work.. Will definetely try .. Thanks
Ruchi says
June 3, 2016 at 8:43 amThanks for your kind words Priya! Glad you liked the recipe. Sure do give it a try and if possible share your experience and some pics with me. 🙂
Tanu says
May 25, 2016 at 5:52 amI had been waiting to get this recipe… this is liked by all at my place. The way you presented it looks tempting and so wow! I am surely trying it this weekend. You made my day Ruchika! Thanks a ton!
Ruchi says
May 25, 2016 at 10:02 amGlad you liked the recipe! Thanks for your kind words, Tanu. 🙂
Preeti says
May 5, 2016 at 3:48 pmWow so beautifully explained..Love ur recipe. I have one question I don’t have such a big griddle, can I use my flat pan for this.
Thank you in advance.
Ruchi says
May 5, 2016 at 8:21 pmThanks for your kind words Preeti. 🙂 Yes you can use a pan or kadai to saute your veggies.
Preety chawla says
April 22, 2016 at 7:50 amAwesome presentation
Ruchi says
April 22, 2016 at 9:40 amThanks Preety. 🙂
Ritu Rojinedar says
March 21, 2016 at 11:55 pmThanks Ruchika.
Ruchi says
March 22, 2016 at 7:38 amYou are welcome. 🙂
Ritu Rojinedar says
March 21, 2016 at 11:51 pmdelicious .. U explained it very keen way . thank u Ruchika .
Ruchi says
March 22, 2016 at 7:38 amThanks Ritu! Glad you liked. 🙂
geeta says
March 16, 2016 at 12:05 amHi Ruchi,wow!!!!!!!!!!! what a recipe,my kids used to grumble when i used to cook karela and baigan but when i prepared this recipe they just loved it …and that too so low cal …otherwise on other sites generally the fried vegetables are used….a big thanks
RK says
March 16, 2016 at 5:48 pmYou are welcome dear. So happy to hear that you liked the recipe. Thanks for trying and sharing your wonderful feedback with me. 🙂
Chumki says
February 8, 2016 at 7:29 pmExcellent! Thank you……
RK says
February 8, 2016 at 9:10 pmMy pleasure. 🙂
Chumki says
February 8, 2016 at 10:00 pmIt came out perfect..Thanks..
RK says
February 9, 2016 at 8:35 amThanks for trying the recipe. Glad you liked it. 🙂
Pushkala says
January 6, 2016 at 1:20 pmWow, really superb 👌
RK says
January 7, 2016 at 7:38 amThanks Pushkala. 🙂
Renu mathew says
December 30, 2015 at 2:10 pmPls add me to your mailing list. I really enjoyed your website.
RK says
December 30, 2015 at 2:22 pmThanks Renu!! Glad to hear that you are enjoying my blog. You can subscribe to my mailing list and will be updated as an when recipes or posts are sent out. Look for a “SIGN UP” box on the top right corner, add your email address and enjoy!!
shibani says
December 15, 2015 at 6:34 pmThank you so much for such a beautiful presentation of the recipe. Better explained than most of the sites and books. You are a true masterchef.
RK says
December 15, 2015 at 10:10 pmThanks you so much for your lovely feedback, that’s so sweet of you. I am glad you liked the recipe. 🙂 Keep checking back for more.
Wendy says
September 18, 2015 at 12:20 pmThank you for such an excellent recipe demonstration!!!
I love to learn cooking Indian food, but sometimes I am not sure of the method or how to prepare certain ingredients such as the bitter melon and this has given such beautiful photos and instructions! I just signed up for your email list and am looking forward to learning many more tricks from you!
RK says
September 19, 2015 at 9:40 amThanks for stopping by Wendy! Glad you liked the blog..keep checking back for more. 🙂
Parul says
August 26, 2015 at 10:58 pmGreat recipe Ruchi and enjoy looking at your pictures. Have to say you have a collection of cute little display cups. I have a query… can I skip the store wala cream and add homemade malai to the recipe? Also what role does chaat masala plays in the recipe. Can I use lemon juice? Please reply I plan to make these over the weekend for Raksha bandhan festival.
RK says
August 27, 2015 at 11:06 pmThanks for stopping by Parul. Yes, store bought cream can be skipped with homemade malai. Just whisk and make it smooth before adding it to the recipe. Chaat masala adds a tangy and chatpata flavor to the end product. Yes, you can sprinkle lemon juice instead of chaat masala. Good luck and happy cooking!!
Vijaya says
August 22, 2015 at 5:11 pmVery tempting recipe. My favorite…will try out soon. Looks exactly like market stalls one..love your presentation. Thanks dear.
RK says
August 23, 2015 at 1:50 pmYou are welcome Vijaya! Do give it a try and I am sure you are going to like it. 🙂
bandita says
August 18, 2015 at 9:51 amToo good recipe.. the final product looks awesome.:) Thanks!
RK says
August 18, 2015 at 10:39 amThanks for stopping by Bandita! Glad to hear that you liked it. 🙂
Madhu says
August 14, 2015 at 1:50 pmYum–oo Sabzi. Had a get together coming up and was planning something. Came across your site through FoodGw. and find this recipe. Looks so yummy and delicious. I am going to make this one for sure. Your presentation look so cool and mouth watering. Thanks Ruchi
RK says
August 16, 2015 at 4:51 pmYou are welcome Madhu! Thanks for stopping by and do give Tawa Sazi a try, I am sure you will like it. 🙂
Tanisha says
August 10, 2015 at 11:35 amIf I am reading it right is this THE TAWA SABZI?? you eat at marriages and big functions. Can this be prepared at home. Oh my god !! I just hit a jackpot. I came from marriage last night and all I ate was Tawa sbzi. Thought of searching it online and never ever thought I would find one. You are great Ruchi. On my mission to try my favorite dish. Thanks, thanks and thanks a ton!!
RK says
August 10, 2015 at 9:46 pmTotally loved your comment/compliment Tanisha. 🙂 It indeed is THE TAWA SABZI. Now you can prepare at home and amaze everyone!! Give it a try and if possible share your experience with me!
Ritu says
July 23, 2015 at 1:08 pmI have started following your blog for quite some time. This one is one of my favorites. So good, so tempting!! love the way you displayed the recipe, perfect presentation! The beauty of your site lies in the way you explain your recipes. I just love it. Simple yet classy finish! I tried this one and was loved by everyone. Bad part.. it was finished before everyone could get their hands on it. But my tawa was licked clean. Thanks Ruchi…keep posting new and exciting recipes.
RK says
July 24, 2015 at 8:18 amThank you for such a lovely feedback, that’s so sweet of you. Plates licked clean – Oh, I can totally relate to that, tawa sabzi is always a hit. Glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Kamini says
July 14, 2015 at 8:15 pmMade this last weekend for a dinner party and was fabulous. My friends couldn’t stop talking about it. It was very very yummy and had a very authentic taste. Didn’t cut bhindi like you did, instead made stuffed bhindi, stuffed the same masala in bhindi and sprinkled chaat masala on top. Thanks Ruchi for the hard work..this one rocked my party!
RK says
July 15, 2015 at 10:00 pmYou are welcome Kamini! Thanks for trying out the recipe, glad you liked it. 🙂
Roli says
July 8, 2015 at 12:35 pmAll your recipes come out really tasty and perfect. I always go on google and look up for recipes but from now on I have 1 stop and that’s your website. Your picture tutorial and explanation are very easy to understand.
I tried this recipe today and it tasted so delicious. Each and every vegie had its own taste. Masala was perfect not too much for the vegies. Very tasty & mouth watering dish. Thank you for posting this wonderful recipe.
RK says
July 8, 2015 at 9:52 pmThat’s so sweet of you Roli and thanks for such a lovely feedback! Glad you liked the recipes and the blog! 🙂
Khushi says
June 19, 2015 at 1:55 amThis actually answered my cravings, thank you! Yummy recipe and the masala was perfect. Neither too much and not to overpowering. Perfect balance.Will surely try it again.
RK says
June 20, 2015 at 9:47 amThanks Khushi! Glad you liked it. 🙂
Traditional mom says
June 18, 2015 at 12:33 amWell, I tried it today,in fact Just finished eating it. It was tasty and my family enjoyed it thoroughly. Cant thank you enough for this & many other recipes which now I can cook staying away from home.You are a wonderful cook, teacher and a mentor and I have started following you from now on .Loved it 🙂 Want to see more street food from your end I mean in steps they are a great great help. Just open the phone and watch each of your steps gives such a confidence and the end result is exactly like yours. Thanks a lot for all lovely the recipes.
RK says
June 19, 2015 at 7:40 amYou are welcome!! Glad you liked the recipe. Putting your request on my list and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Suman says
June 16, 2015 at 5:41 pmNice blog here! Also your site loads up fast! Tried this and it was a hit. My in-laws just loved it, had them over for dinner and after every bite they praised my bhindi, paneer, karele and gobhi. Thank you Ruchi. I am like a cooking queen for my in-laws now. Oh my god, I am on cloud 9 and dancing. Thanks! Thanks and so much thanks. Love you dear.
Suman from Bangalore
RK says
June 16, 2015 at 10:25 pmThat’s such a sweet reply Suman 🙂 Hope it stays the same for you forever!! Glad your family relished the recipe. Thanks for stopping by and will see you on the blog 🙂
Bhavana says
May 17, 2015 at 4:01 amWow, its awesome. feel like grabbing the whole tawa to myself. Have a big get together coming this weekend and ur pics make it look so tempting. Really a good and very easy recipe. I will try this in weekend so that every body can get a taste of my/your tawa sabzi. Thanks for saving me tired of all the boring veggies. This is new and fresh.
RK says
June 2, 2015 at 9:08 pmThanks Bhavana! Give it a try and I am sure your guests are going to enjoy it!! If possible share your experience with me 🙂
sheetal says
May 16, 2015 at 4:18 pmWhat an awesome way to describe d recipe…. big applaud. checked so many recipe sites n chefs But you are d best one. hats off to you girl. Tawa sabji is looking scrumptious. Definitely gonna try this.
RK says
May 16, 2015 at 7:53 pmThat’s so sweet of you Sheetal. Your comment made my day! Glad to know you liked the website and will see you around on the blog 🙂
Minika says
May 6, 2015 at 12:22 amFirst of all what can I say, I was craving about this sabzi for so long and here it comes so well explained.Come on girl give me a break did you even miss a step. NO so well described you even pictured all the spices being added to the spice mix, loved the way you placed everything next to the gas before you begin. OMG that stop watch is so cute. I have to learn a lot from you. first thing first get organized while cooking 🙂
Thanks a lot for all that u do. I am making this this weekend and talking all about you.
RK says
May 6, 2015 at 9:32 amYou are so sweet Minika. Thanks dear. I am glad you found what you were looking for. Do give it a try and share your experience 🙂