The Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe

Pav Bhaji is a beloved Indian street food dish that originated in Mumbai. It is a delightful combination of spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) and soft bread rolls (pav). This flavorful and satisfying dish has gained popularity not only in India but also worldwide. In this article, we will guide you through the process of preparing the ultimate Pav Bhaji recipe, allowing you to enjoy this iconic street food in the comfort of your own home. Also, read The Perfect Poha Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious Pav Bhaji:

For the Bhaji:

1. 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
2. 1 cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped
3. 1/2 cup green peas
4. 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
5. 1/2 cup bell peppers (capsicum), finely chopped
6. 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
7. 3-4 tomatoes, finely chopped
8. 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
9. 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
10. 2 green chilies, finely chopped
11. 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
12. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
13. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
14. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
15. 1/4 cup butter
16. Salt to taste
17. Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
18. Lemon wedges for serving

For the Pav:

1. 8 pav buns (soft bread rolls)
2. 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Bhaji

1. Heat butter in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add the cauliflower, green peas, carrots, and bell peppers to the pan. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are partially cooked.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the tomatoes are completely cooked and the mixture becomes soft and mushy.
6. Mash the cooked vegetables using a potato masher or the back of a spoon until you achieve a smooth consistency. If desired, you can keep some texture by mashing it partially.
7. Cook the mashed bhaji for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste.

Step 2: Preparing the Pav

1. Slit the pav buns horizontally, but not all the way through, keeping one side intact.
2. Heat a tawa (griddle) or a flat pan over medium heat. Spread a little butter on the tawa.
3. Place the pav buns on the tawa, cut side down, and toast them until they turn light golden brown.
4. Flip the pav buns and toast the other side as well. Remove them from the tawa once they are nicely toasted.

Step 3: Serving

1. Transfer the prepared bhaji into a serving bowl. Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve the hot bhaji with the toasted pav buns, lemon wedges, and a side of finely chopped onions.
3. Squeeze some lemon juice over the bhaji for an extra tangy kick. You can also serve it with a dollop of butter on top for added richness.

Tips and Variations

• For a smoky flavor, you can roast the pav buns on a grill or barbecue instead of toasting them on a tawa.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your taste.
• Add a tablespoon of grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the bhaji for a creamy and rich texture.
• If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute butter with oil for cooking the bhaji and use whole wheat pav buns instead of regular ones.
• Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the bhaji while cooking.
• For a twist, you can add boiled and mashed beetroot or mashed bottle gourd to the bhaji, adding a nutritional boost and vibrant color.

Conclusion

Pav Bhaji is a delightful and flavorful street food dish that captures the essence of Mumbai’s vibrant food scene. With its combination of spicy bhaji and soft pav buns, it has become a favorite for people of all ages. By following this ultimate Pav Bhaji recipe, you can recreate the magic of this popular street food in your own kitchen. So, gather the ingredients, get ready to savor the explosion of flavors, and enjoy the experience of indulging in this iconic Indian dish.