The Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe: A Flavorful Delight from Mumbai
Pav Bhaji, a popular street food originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai, is a delightful blend of mashed vegetables served with buttery buns (pav). This dish has evolved over the years to become a favorite comfort food across India. Here’s a detailed recipe to bring this iconic dish to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Bhaji:
– 3 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 (capsicum)
– 2 large onions, finely chopped
– 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 2 green chilies, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
For the Pav:
– 8 pav buns
– 1/4 cup butter
– A pinch of pav bhaji masala
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
1. In a large pot, add potatoes, cauliflower, green peas, and carrots. Cover them with water and boil until they are soft. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.
2. Using a potato masher, coarsely mash the boiled vegetables. The texture should be somewhat chunky.
Step 2: Make the Bhaji
1. In a large skillet or kadai, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and release their juices, forming a thick gravy base.
5. Mix in the pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to blend well.
6. Add the mashed vegetables to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Let the bhaji simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Squeeze a few lemon wedges into the bhaji for added tanginess and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 3: Toast the Pav
1. Slice the pav buns horizontally. Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat.
2. Melt some butter on the griddle and sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala on it. Place the pav buns on the griddle, cut side down, and toast them until they are golden brown and crisp. Flip and toast the other side briefly.
Step 4: Serve
1. Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl, topped with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves.
2. Arrange the toasted pav buns around the bhaji. Serve with additional lemon wedges and finely chopped onions on the side.
Pav Bhaji is best enjoyed hot, with the buttery pav buns soaking up the spicy, tangy, and savory flavors of the bhaji. This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty, flavorful meal. By following this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Mumbai’s street food in your own home, savoring each bite of this quintessential Indian dish.
