Pav Bhaji is a quintessential Indian street food that brings together a medley of vegetables, mashed and spiced to perfection, served alongside soft, buttered bread rolls known as pav. Originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai, this dish is a flavorful blend of textures and tastes, offering a comforting yet vibrant meal. The rich, spicy bhaji, often garnished with a dollop of butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, pairs beautifully with the crisp, toasted pav. Pav Bhaji is not just a dish but an experience, enjoyed by people of all ages for its hearty and satisfying nature.
Pav bhaji recipe
Originating from Mumbai, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal that’s loved by many. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):
For the Pav (Bread Rolls):
Instructions
Cook the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, add the chopped potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas. Cover with water and boil until the vegetables are tender. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Bhaji:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala. Mix well and cook for a minute to let the spices blend.
Mash and Combine:
- Add the boiled vegetables to the pan. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the vegetables until you get a thick, chunky consistency.
- Add a little water if the bhaji is too thick and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt. Add more butter if desired for a richer flavor.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
Prepare the Pav:
- Heat a flat pan or tawa over medium heat. Slice the pav horizontally.
- Spread butter on both sides of the pav and toast them on the pan until golden and slightly crispy.
Serve:
- Serve the hot bhaji with the buttered pav. Garnish the bhaji with a dollop of butter, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 390kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Total Carbohydrate 63g21%
- Dietary Fiber 9.4g38%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Pav Bhaji Masala: This spice blend is key to the dish’s authentic flavor. It can be found in Indian grocery stores, or you can make it at home.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like carrots, beans, or beetroot to the bhaji. The mix of vegetables is flexible based on your preference.
- Butter: Pav Bhaji is traditionally made with a generous amount of butter, which enhances its flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Pav: If you can’t find Indian pav, you can substitute with soft dinner rolls or burger buns.