Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe: A Flavorful Street Food Delight You Can’t Miss!

Pav Bhaji is a highly deserved comfort street food of Mumbai, much loved for its rich, spicy, and flavorful (mashed) vegetables served with buttered, toasted bread rolls (pav) by many. Prepared at home, this is easy and satisfying. Time to get cooking … this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

For Bhaji (vegetable curry):

• 2 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, capsicum, cauliflower – finely chopped)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 large tomato (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnishing)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Pav (bread rolls):

• 8 pav (soft bread rolls)
• Butter (for toasting)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Start by boiling the potatoes in a pressure cooker or large pot until they are soft and tender. Peel and mash them once boiled.
• In a separate pot, boil the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower, and capsicum) until soft, but not mushy. Drain the water and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bhaji

• Heat oil and butter in a large pan on medium heat. Once the butter melts, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Now, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell fades.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts separating from the mixture.
• Add the boiled mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly.
• Add pav bhaji masala and a little water (if needed) to adjust the consistency. Let it cook on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
• Once the bhaji reaches a smooth, semi-thick consistency, adjust the salt and spices. Add lemon juice for a tangy kick and mix well.
• Garnish the bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a dollop of butter.

Step 3: Prepare the Pav

• Heat a tawa or flat griddle on medium heat.
• Slice the pav horizontally (without cutting through the sides) and apply butter generously on both the inner sides of the pav.
• Place the pav on the tawa and toast it until golden and crispy on both sides.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl, topped with a little butter, along with the buttered pav. You can serve it with extra lemon wedges and chopped onions on the side for added flavor.

Tips for Best Pav Bhaji:

• Use fresh pav bhaji masala for the most authentic flavor.
• You can make the bhaji spicier by adding more green chilies or red chili powder.
• To make it richer, you can add a little cream or milk after the bhaji is cooked.

Conclusion

Pav Bhaji is more than a street food and surely a good and satisfying meal for those people of all ages. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner, a weekend treat, or even as a party snack. Avail the mouthwatering Mumbai-style delight at home with friends and family!

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