Pav Bhaji Recipe (Indian Street Food)

Short Description:
Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food made with a spiced vegetable mash served with soft buttered rolls (pav). This dish is a flavorful and comforting combination of mixed vegetables, cooked in aromatic spices, and served with toasted pav, making it the perfect street food experience right at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a flavorful snack, Pav Bhaji is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pav Bhaji is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The vegetable mash is spicy, savory, and slightly tangy, while the pav (bread rolls) are toasted with butter, adding a rich contrast. The dish is easy to prepare and customizable with your choice of vegetables, making it a versatile option for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Indian street food or just love a hearty, flavorful meal, Pav Bhaji will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients

For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):

• 2 tablespoons oil or butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

• 1 cup cauliflower, chopped

• 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed

• 1 carrot, chopped

• ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala (available in Indian stores)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish

For the Pav (Bread Rolls):

• 4-6 pav (Indian bread rolls) or burger buns

• Butter for toasting

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Bhaji:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • In a pressure cooker or large pot, cook the cauliflower, carrots, and peas together with some water until they are soft and tender (about 2-3 whistles in the pressure cooker or 10-12 minutes in a pot). Once cooked, mash the vegetables and set them aside.

2. Cook the Masala:

   • In a large pan, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

   • Add the green bell pepper and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

   • Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

3. Add the Spices:

   • Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and pav bhaji masala. Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes until they release their aroma and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

4. Combine the Vegetables:

   • Add the mashed boiled potato and the pre-cooked vegetable mixture (cauliflower, peas, and carrots) into the pan. Mix everything well.

   • Use a potato masher to mash everything together until the vegetables form a thick, chunky mixture.

5. Adjust Consistency:

   • Add a little water to adjust the consistency of the bhaji. Cook the mixture on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together.

   • Add salt to taste, and stir in the lemon juice and fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves for freshness.

For the Pav:

1. Toast the Pav:

   • In a separate pan, heat a little butter. Place the pav (bread rolls) on the pan and toast them until golden brown on both sides. The pav should be soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

To Serve:

1. Assemble the Dish:

   • Serve the bhaji hot, garnished with more fresh coriander and a dollop of butter (optional).

   • Serve the pav on the side, or open them and dip them directly into the bhaji.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Bhaji: Add extra green chilies or chili powder for more heat.

• Cheese Pav Bhaji: Top the bhaji with melted cheese for a cheesy twist.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter or oil and skip the butter for toasting the pav to make it completely vegan.

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like spinach, green beans, or corn for more texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Pav Bhaji can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the bhaji on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water to adjust the consistency. Re-toast the pav in a pan with some butter when serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables for the bhaji?

Yes, you can add or substitute vegetables like sweet potatoes, eggplant, or even beans for a different flavor and texture.

2. What can I use if I can’t find pav bhaji masala?

You can use a combination of garam masala, chili powder, and a pinch of coriander and cumin powder as a substitute. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bhaji in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. The flavors actually get better the next day!

4. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies to increase the heat level according to your taste.

5. What can I serve with Pav Bhaji besides pav?

Pav Bhaji is traditionally served with pav, but you can also serve it with naan, paratha, or even rice for a different take.

6. Can I make this recipe with frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for convenience. Just make sure to thaw them before mashing and mixing with the other ingredients.

7. How do I make the bhaji smoother?

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the vegetables once cooked and then mix them into the masala mixture.

8. Can I add a protein to this dish?

While Pav Bhaji is typically vegetarian, you can add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein if you like.

9. How do I store leftover pav?

Leftover pav (bread rolls) can be stored in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for later use.

10. How do I make the pav crispier?

For extra crispness, toast the pav with butter on both sides until they’re golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Pav Bhaji is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the taste of Indian street food into your home. The spiced vegetable mash is perfect for pairing with soft, buttered pav rolls, making every bite satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or looking for a snack, Pav Bhaji is sure to hit the spot. The best part is that it’s easy to make and customizable, so you can enjoy this beloved Indian dish anytime you want!

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