This pav bhaji recipe brings the taste of Mumbai street food to your home with a rich, spicy vegetable mash served with buttery pav (bread rolls). The dish is made by simmering vegetables like potatoes, peas, and bell peppers with a blend of Indian spices, creating a delicious and hearty meal. This easy pav bhaji recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend snack.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the pav bhaji recipe:
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- 8 pav bread rolls
- Extra butter for toasting the pav
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the pav bhaji recipe:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste, and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add the spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, pav bhaji recipe masala, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the spices are well blended.
- Add the vegetables: Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, green peas, and chopped bell pepper to the pan. Stir well and mash the mixture further using a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
- Simmer: Add 1/2 cup of water and salt to taste, then let the bhaji simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toast the pav: While the bhaji simmers, heat a separate skillet with a little butter. Slice the pav rolls in half and toast them in the butter until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Serve: Garnish the pav bhaji with chopped cilantro and serve hot with the buttered pav on the side. Add a wedge of lemon for extra zing.
Tips:
For the best pav bhaji recipe:
- Use fresh pav bhaji masala: For the most authentic flavor, use freshly ground pav bhaji masala. You can find this at most Indian grocery stores.
- Adjust the spice level: You can make the dish as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the amount of red chili powder and pav bhaji masala.
- Add butter generously: Pav bhaji is traditionally served with a generous amount of butter, so don’t hesitate to add extra for richness and flavor.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower to the bhaji for extra nutrition.
FAQs:
- Can I make pav bhaji without pav bhaji masala? While pav bhaji masala adds authentic flavor, you can substitute it with a mix of garam masala and other Indian spices if you don’t have it on hand.
- What can I serve with pav bhaji? Pav bhaji is usually served with buttery rolls, but it also pairs well with naan or chapati.
- Can I make pav bhaji ahead of time? Yes, the bhaji can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat it before serving and toast the pav fresh.
- Is pav bhaji vegan? To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your pav rolls are dairy-free.
