
Indian Pav Bhaji
A spicy and flavorful mashed vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls, a Mumbai street food classic.
20 mins
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 cup cauliflower, finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 capsicum, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 8 pav (bread rolls)
- Butter for toasting pav
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears. Add capsicum and cook until soft.
Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates. Stir in pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add all the chopped vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, peas) and mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly and mash the vegetables with a masher.
Add 1-2 cups of water to adjust consistency. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bhaji thickens.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a dollop of butter. Squeeze lemon juice before serving.
For the pav, slit the bread rolls horizontally without cutting through. Heat butter in a pan, toast the pav until golden and crisp.
Serve hot pav with bhaji, topped with chopped onions, coriander, and a lemon wedge.
Chef's Tips
- Vegetable Variations: You can add beetroot, bell peppers, or beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust red chili powder and pav bhaji masala according to your spice preference.
- Consistency: The bhaji should be thick but not dry. Add water gradually to achieve the right texture.
- Butter: Don’t skimp on butter—it enhances the flavor and authenticity of the dish.
- Leftovers: Store bhaji in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a little water to restore consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with extra butter, chopped onions, and lemon wedges for an authentic street food experience.