Pav Bhaji is a popular Mumbai street food made from a spiced, buttery mashed vegetable curry served with butter-toasted pav (soft bread rolls). This dish is often finished with onion, lemon, and cilantro, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
This Easy Pav Bhaji Recipe is perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner or as party food, as the bhaji can be prepared ahead of time and served hot with various toppings. Learn How To Make Pav Bhaji with this simple Bombay Pav Bhaji Recipe.
What is Pav Bhaji?
Pav Bhaji is a beloved dish that hails from the bustling streets of Mumbai. This vibrant street food features a rich, spiced vegetable curry, known for its creamy texture and robust flavors.
Traditionally served with butter-toasted pav, or soft bread rolls, Pav Bhaji is a delightful combination that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
The dish is not only a staple in Mumbai but has also gained popularity across India, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Indian street food.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The magic of Pav Bhaji lies in its unique blend of ingredients. A medley of vegetables, including potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers, forms the base of this dish.
These vegetables are boiled and mashed together, creating a creamy consistency that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Pav Bhaji Masala, a special spice blend, adds depth and warmth to the curry, while garnishes of chopped onions, cilantro, and lemon wedges provide a fresh contrast.
Cooking the Perfect Bhaji
Making Pav Bhaji is a straightforward process that can be completed in about 45 minutes.
Start by boiling the mixed vegetables until tender, then mash them to achieve that signature creamy texture.
In a large pan, sauté onions in butter until they turn translucent, then add ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes.
Incorporating the spices at this stage is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Toasting the Pav
The pav rolls are an essential component of this dish. Toasting them in butter until golden brown adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft bhaji.
It’s recommended to toast them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
This step elevates the overall experience, making each bite a perfect balance of textures.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Pav Bhaji, presentation plays a key role.
Serve the bhaji hot in a bowl, garnished with chopped onions, cilantro, and a wedge of lemon for a burst of freshness.
Place the toasted pav rolls alongside, inviting guests to scoop up the bhaji with the bread.
This communal style of eating enhances the enjoyment, making it a delightful dish for gatherings or family dinners.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Easy Pav Bhaji Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile.
It can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, learning how to make Pav Bhaji is a rewarding experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Mumbai right to your kitchen.
Delicious Pav Bhaji Recipe
This Pav Bhaji features a medley of vegetables cooked with aromatic spices and mashed to a creamy consistency. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4-6 people, making it a great option for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, peas, carrots, bell peppers) boiled and mashed
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji Masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- 4-6 pav (soft bread rolls)
- Butter for toasting pav
- Chopped onions, cilantro, and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Boil the mixed vegetables until tender, then mash them together in a bowl.
- Cook the Base: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add chopped tomatoes, Pav Bhaji Masala, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate.
- Combine with Vegetables: Add the mashed vegetables to the pan and mix well. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toast the Pav: In a separate pan, melt some butter and toast the pav on both sides until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the bhaji hot, garnished with chopped onions, cilantro, and lemon wedges alongside the toasted pav.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g