Pav Bhaji Recipe

Introduction
Pav Bhaji is a mouthwatering street food from Mumbai that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The vibrant, spicy vegetable mash is paired with soft, buttery pav rolls. Often served as a snack or dinner, this dish has found a permanent place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. In this article, we’ll explore how to make a traditional Pav Bhaji at home with a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 cup peas (boiled)
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon Pav Bhaji masala (available in stores)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Ingredients for Pav (Bread Rolls):

• 6 Pav rolls (soft bread rolls, available in most stores)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Pav Bhaji masala (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):

• Heat butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for another minute.
• Add chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, cauliflower, peas, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
• Mash the vegetables using a potato masher until you have a smooth consistency.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Pav Bhaji masala. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• Adjust salt and water to get the desired consistency of the mash. Let it simmer on low heat, occasionally stirring.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves once done.

2. Prepare the Pav (Bread Rolls):

• Heat a tawa (griddle) or pan over medium heat.
• Slice the Pav rolls in half (keeping them joined at the base).
• Spread butter generously on the inside of the rolls.
• Sprinkle a little Pav Bhaji masala (optional) on the buttered side for extra flavor.
• Toast the Pav on the hot tawa until golden brown on both sides.

Serving:

• Serve the hot Pav Bhaji with a portion of the vegetable mash and the toasted Pav rolls.
• Add a lemon wedge on the side and enjoy!

Tips:

1. For a healthier version, you can use less butter and add more vegetables like carrots, beans, and spinach.
2. If you prefer a spicier version, add more green chilies or increase the amount of red chili powder.
3. To make it more authentic, serve with chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the Bhaji.

Conclusion: Pav Bhaji is an irresistible, flavor-packed dish that brings the magic of Mumbai street food to your home. With its spicy, tangy vegetable mash and buttered pav rolls, it’s a comforting meal that is perfect for any time of day. Whether you are hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a quick dinner, Pav Bhaji will surely delight your taste buds.