Imagine biting into a delicious, soft piece of bread slathered with a rich, spicy vegetable mash—that’s what Paav Bhaji offers! Originating from Mumbai, this popular street food has become a beloved comfort food across India and beyond. Perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty weekend brunch, here’s how you can make this mouthwatering dish at home.
Ingredients for Paav Bhaji
Paav:
- 8-10 pavs (small square bread rolls)
Bhaji:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1 large capsicum, finely chopped
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3-4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 green chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Paav Bhaji
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Boil the potatoes, cauliflower, and peas until soft. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
Mash the boiled vegetables coarsely with a masher or a fork.
Step 2: Cooking the Bhaji
In a large pan, melt the butter on medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chillies; sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Now, incorporate the tomatoes, cook until they soften, and the mixture starts to release oil.
Add the finely chopped capsicum and cook for another couple of minutes.
It’s time to add the pav bhaji masala, red chilli powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well.
Pour in the mashed vegetables, stir everything together, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
As the bhaji cooks, use a masher or potato masher to mash the vegetables further, ensuring a smooth, thick bhaji.
👩🍳 Note: For an authentic taste, some recipes call for additional butter during the cooking process, but this step is optional.
Step 3: Preparing the Paav
Slit each pav horizontally, leaving one edge intact.
Heat a flat pan or tawa, add some butter, and lightly toast the pav on both sides until they turn slightly golden.
Step 4: Serving
Place the hot bhaji on a serving plate, garnish with chopped coriander and a generous dollop of butter. Serve with the toasted pav, lemon wedges, and, if you like, some finely chopped onions.
Tips for Making the Perfect Paav Bhaji
Use fresh pav for the best flavor and texture.
Authentic pav bhaji masala is key. If unavailable, you can make your own by mixing coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and dried mango powder.
Butter is a star ingredient here; don’t skimp on it unless you want to make a healthier version.
Once you've mastered this dish, your kitchen will be filled with the aromatic essence of Indian street food. It's not just about the taste; it's about the experience of bringing a piece of Mumbai's bustling streets right into your home. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, the joy of preparing and savoring homemade Paav Bhaji is unparalleled. Enjoy this journey of flavors, and remember, food is more than just sustenance; it's an expression of culture and love. So, invite friends and family, share this meal, and let the conversations flow as freely as the butter melts on your bhaji.
Can I make Paav Bhaji with different vegetables?
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Absolutely! While traditional Paav Bhaji uses potatoes, peas, cauliflower, and capsicum, feel free to add carrots, beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy or need to use up.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for butter in Paav Bhaji?
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Yes, you can use ghee (clarified butter), which is naturally vegetarian, or opt for a vegan butter alternative if you’re looking to avoid animal products.
How can I make Paav Bhaji for a crowd?
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Paav Bhaji is perfect for large gatherings. Simply increase the quantities of the ingredients, especially the bhaji part, as it doesn’t require much more time to cook. Remember, the proportion of spices should be adjusted to suit the taste of the crowd.
