Pav Bhaji is a quintessential Mumbai street food that has won hearts across India and beyond. This rich, flavorful dish combines a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) with butter-toasted bread rolls (pav).
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will guide you in recreating this beloved dish at home.
Pav Bhaji Recipe Ingredients:
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):
- 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup cauliflower florets, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup green peas, boiled
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ cup water (adjust for consistency)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Pav (Bread Rolls):
- 8 pav buns (dinner rolls or similar soft bread)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon pav bhaji masala (optional)
Pav Bhaji Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bhaji
- Heat oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Mix in the bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices.
- Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour in water gradually and mash the mixture using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. Continue cooking and mashing until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
Step 2: Toast the Pav
- Heat a flat pan or griddle on medium heat.
- Spread butter evenly over the pan. Sprinkle a little pav bhaji masala on the butter for added flavor (optional).
- Slice the pav buns horizontally and place them on the pan.
- Toast the buns on both sides until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl, garnished with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of chopped coriander.
- Place the toasted pav buns on the side.
- Accompany the dish with lemon wedges and finely chopped onions for extra zing.
Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji Recipe
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level according to your preference by increasing or reducing the chilies and chili powder.
- For a richer taste, use a generous amount of butter while cooking and serving.
Conclusion
Pav Bhaji is more than just a dish—it’s an experience that brings people together. With its blend of robust flavors and buttery goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare. Serve it hot, and watch as your loved ones devour this irresistible street food classic. Enjoy!