Pav Bhaji is a beloved Indian street food known for its rich, spicy vegetable curry served with soft buttered buns. Here’s an easy and detailed recipe for you:
Pav Bhaji Recipe
Ingredients for Pav Bhaji:
For the Bhaji:
● 3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
● 1 cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped
● 1 cup green peas, boiled
● 1 large capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
● 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
● 1 large onion, finely chopped
● 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped (optional)
● 4 cloves garlic, minced
● 1-inch ginger, grated
● 1/4 cup butter
● 2 tablespoons oil
● 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
● 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
● 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
● Salt to taste
● Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
For the Pav:
● 8 pav (dinner rolls)
● Butter for toasting
Instructions for Pav Bhaji:
1. Prepare the Bhaji:
● In a large pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Sauté until they splutter.
● Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
● Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Then, add chopped capsicum and cook until softened.
● Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
● Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
● Add chopped cauliflower, boiled peas, and optional carrots. Mix and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft.
● Mash the boiled potatoes and add them to the pan. Mix everything well, letting the flavors meld.
● Add butter and stir until it’s fully melted. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the bhaji reaches a thick consistency.
● Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
2. Toast the Pav:
● Slit the pav horizontally without cutting all the way through.
● Heat a griddle or tawa. Apply butter on the cut sides of the pav.
● Toast the pav on the griddle until they turn golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve:
● Serve the hot and flavorful pav bhaji with a dollop of butter, chopped onions, and a slice of lemon on the side.
● Garnish with additional coriander leaves and serve with toasted pav.
FAQs for Pav Bhaji Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for pav bhaji?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen peas and cauliflower to save time. Ensure they are thawed before cooking.
Q2: Can I make pav bhaji without pav bhaji masala?
A2: Pav bhaji masala adds a distinct flavor, but you can use a blend of ground cumin, coriander, and garam masala as a substitute.
Q3: Can I adjust the spice level of pav bhaji?
A3: Certainly! Adjust the red chili powder to suit your spice preference. You can also add green chilies for an extra kick.
Q4: How can I store leftover pav bhaji?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little water to maintain consistency.
Q5: What are alternative toppings for pav bhaji?
A5: Besides chopped onions and coriander, you can add grated cheese, chopped bell peppers, or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.
Q6: Can I use any type of dinner rolls for pav?
A6: Yes, you can use any soft dinner rolls. If unavailable, try brioche buns or any soft bread of your choice.
Q7: Is pav bhaji vegetarian?
A7: Yes, pav bhaji is a vegetarian dish. It consists of spiced mixed vegetables served with buttered buns.
Q8: Can I make pav bhaji in advance for parties?
A8: Yes, you can prepare the bhaji in advance. Reheat before serving, and toast pav just before serving to maintain freshness.
Q9: Can I skip butter for a healthier version?
A9: While butter adds richness, you can reduce the quantity or use a healthier alternative like olive oil.
Q10: What can I serve with pav bhaji besides pav?
A10: You can serve pav bhaji with toasted bread, naan, or even rice for a delicious variation.