How to make pav bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish that consists of a spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered and toasted pav (soft bread rolls). It’s a delicious and flavorful dish loved by many. Here’s a simple recipe to make Pav Bhaji at home:

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, beans), finely chopped or mashed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup boiled and mashed green peas
• 3-4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala (readily available in Indian stores)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Pav:

• 8 pav bread rolls
• 2-3 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

For the Bhaji:

1. In a large pan or flat-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Now, add the chopped mixed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, beans). You can either finely chop them or boil and mash them before adding. Mix well with the tomato-onion mixture.
6. Add the pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together and let the vegetables cook until they become soft and tender. You can add some water to help in the cooking process and prevent sticking. Mash the vegetables slightly with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to achieve a semi-smooth consistency.
7. Stir in the boiled and mashed green peas and chopped capsicum. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and the flavors have melded together.
8. Taste the bhaji and adjust salt and spices if needed. Add more butter if you prefer a richer taste.
9. Garnish the bhaji with fresh coriander leaves.

For the Pav:

1. Slit the pav bread rolls horizontally, but not all the way through, to create an opening.
2. Heat a griddle or flat pan and add a little butter to it. Place the pav on the pan and lightly toast them on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy.

To Serve:

Serve the hot and spicy bhaji with the buttered and toasted pav. You can also garnish the bhaji with some more butter before serving. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped onions on the side. Enjoy the delicious Pav Bhaji as a snack or a hearty meal!