Pav Bhaji Recipe

A Popular Mumbai Street Food

Main Ingredients

For Pav Bhaji:

  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 large Tomato (pureed)
  • 1/2 cup Capsicum (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup Boiled and mashed mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 2-3 Green chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Pav Bhaji masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

For Pav (Bread Rolls):

  • 8 Pav (bread rolls)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Pav Bhaji masala (for seasoning)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bhaji (Vegetable Gravy)

  • Heat oil and butter: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

  • Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Add chopped vegetables: Add the chopped capsicum and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.

  • Add tomatoes and spices: Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan, along with red chili powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala (spice mix), about 5-7 minutes.

  • Mash the vegetables: Add the boiled and mashed mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower) to the pan. Mix well, and mash the vegetables with a masher to incorporate them with the spices and create a smooth texture. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Add Pav Bhaji masala: Add the Pav Bhaji masala and lemon juice, and mix everything together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and more Pav Bhaji masala if necessary. Let the bhaji simmer for another 5-7 minutes on low heat, adding water if the gravy gets too thick.

  • Garnish: Once the bhaji is cooked, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Pav (Bread Rolls)

  • Toast the pav: Heat a flat griddle or pan. Add a little butter and sprinkle some Pav Bhaji masala on it. Cut the pav (bread rolls) into halves and place them on the griddle, cut side down. Toast them until they turn golden and crispy on the edges. Repeat for all the pav rolls.

Step 3: Serve

  • Serve the Pav Bhaji: Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl, accompanied by the toasted pav. Optionally, you can serve with a wedge of lemon, extra chopped onions, and a sprig of cilantro for garnish.

Tips for the Perfect Pav Bhaji:

  • Vegetable Variety: Vegetable Variety: The classic pav bhaji typically includes potatoes, peas, carrots, and cauliflower, but you can add other vegetables like beans, beetroot, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • Mashed Texture: To achieve the right smooth and slightly chunky texture of the bhaji, mash the vegetables thoroughly while keeping a little bit of their bite.

  • Pav Bhaji Masala: The key to a good Pav Bhaji is the Pav Bhaji masala. If you can, use a good-quality ready-made Pav Bhaji masala or make your own blend of spices.

  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or fewer green chilies or adjusting the chili powder.

  • Serving Style: Pav Bhaji is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you are making it ahead of time, reheat the bhaji with a little water and extra butter to maintain its rich, creamy consistency.

Why You’ll Love Pav Bhaji

  • Street Food Delight: Pav Bhaji is the ultimate street food indulgence, with bold flavors that are comforting and satisfying.

  • Vegetarian and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, this dish is a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste or indulgence.

  • Quick and Easy: While it’s deliciously rich, Pav Bhaji is surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

  • Versatile: You can tweak the vegetables and spices to suit your taste, making it a versatile dish for everyone. Enjoy the iconic taste of Pav Bhaji – a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Yield

6 Servings

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes