Pav Bhaji

Today on the Takrecipe website, we bring you an authentic and flavorful street food dish from India – Pav Bhaji. Originating from the streets of Mumbai, Pav Bhaji is a delicious, spicy, and buttery mashed vegetable curry served with soft, toasted bread rolls. This dish has gained immense popularity across India and beyond, becoming a favorite at parties, gatherings, and casual dinners. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a fulfilling meal, Pav Bhaji never disappoints with its rich flavors and comforting texture.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup cauliflower, finely chopped
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup water (as needed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• For the Pav (Bread Rolls):
• 8 pav (Indian bread rolls)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon pav bhaji masala

Prepare the Vegetables

Boil the potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and peas until they are soft. You can pressure cook them for 2 whistles or boil them in a pot until fork-tender. Mash the boiled vegetables roughly and set them aside.

Cook the Bhaji

Heat oil and butter in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Then, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts separating, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and pav bhaji masala. Cook for a minute to blend the flavors. Add the mashed vegetables along with salt and sugar. Stir well, adding water as needed to adjust consistency. Let it simmer for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add chopped bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes. The bhaji should be thick, smooth, and well-blended. Finally, add chopped coriander and mix well. Turn off the heat.

Toast the Pav

Heat a pan or tawa over medium heat and add butter. Sprinkle a little pav bhaji masala over the butter. Slice the pav horizontally and toast them in the butter until they turn golden brown on both sides.

Serve

Serve the hot bhaji on a plate with a dollop of butter on top. Garnish with chopped onions and fresh coriander. Arrange the toasted pav on the side and serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Tips:

Use Fresh and Quality Ingredients 

🟢The better the vegetables, the richer the taste. Fresh tomatoes and butter enhance the flavor significantly.

Mash the Bhaji Well 

🟢A smooth and well-mashed bhaji absorbs the spices better and gives an authentic street-style texture.

Adjust the Spice Level 

🟢If you prefer it spicier, add an extra green chili or more pav bhaji masala. If you like it mild, reduce the chili powder.

Other indian Recipes:

• Indian Baingan Bharta recipe
• Indian Dhokla recipe
• Tandoori Paneer Tikka