Pav Bhaji – India

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish from India, especially in Mumbai. It consists of a spicy and flavorful vegetable curry served with soft and buttery buns (pav). This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (red and green)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2-3 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Pav (Buns):

• 8-10 pav buns
• 2-3 tablespoons butter for toasting

For Serving:

• Chopped onions and lemon wedges

Instructions:

Preparing the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):

1. Boil the diced potatoes, cauliflower florets, green peas, and carrots until they are soft and fully cooked. Drain and mash them coarsely with a potato masher or fork. Set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute or until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
6. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
7. Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
8. Add the mashed vegetables and mix everything together. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Add a little water if the mixture is too dry. The consistency of the bhaji should be semi-thick.
10. Finally, add butter and mix it into the bhaji. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and keep the bhaji warm.

Preparing the Pav (Buns):

1. Slice the pav buns horizontally but keep them attached on one side, like a hinge.
2. Heat a griddle or a flat pan over low-medium heat. Spread a little butter on the cut side of each bun.
3. Toast the buns on the griddle until they turn golden brown and crisp on the inside. You can also toast them on the tava (griddle) with a little butter for added flavor.

Serving:

Serve the hot and spicy Pav Bhaji with the toasted pav buns, chopped onions, and lemon wedges. Enjoy your delicious homemade Pav Bhaji!