Homemade Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food originating from Maharashtra, India. It consists of a spicy and flavorful mashed vegetable curry known as "bhaji," served alongside soft bread rolls called "pav" that are lightly toasted with butter. The bhaji is a delectable blend of various vegetables cooked in a rich tomato gravy and infused with special pav bhaji masala. This dish is a favorite among people of all ages and is enjoyed as an evening snack or even as a main course. In this recipe, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making authentic Pav Bhaji at home, allowing you to relish this mouth-watering delicacy with your family and friends.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 5
Course: Evening Snack
Cuisine: Indian Street Food
Bowl Measurement: 250 ml

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Sauté the Onions
• Step 2: Add Fennel Seeds
• Step 3: Incorporate Ginger and Garlic Paste
• Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices
• Step 5: Add Sugar
• Step 6: Add Vegetables and Cook
• Step 7: Add Pav Bhaji Masala and Coriander
• Step 8: Mash the Bhaji and Add Condiments
• Step 9: Finalize the Bhaji
• Step 10: Prepare the Pav (Bread Rolls)
• Step 11: Toast the Pav with Butter
• Step 12: Serve the Pav Bhaji
• Conclusion

Ingredients

Boiled and Mashed Potatoes: 1 bowl (2 medium-sized potatoes)

Finely Chopped Vegetables:

• Cauliflower: 1 bowl
• Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped
• Onions: 1 bowl
• Green Peas: 1 bowl
• Tomatoes: 2 bowls
• Carrot: 1 bowl
• French Beans: 1 bowl

Boiled Carrots:

Boiled French Beans:

White Soft Bread (Pav): Available in grocery stores or bakeries

Tamarind Chutney: 1 tablespoon

Tomato Sauce: 1 tablespoon

Fennel Seeds (Saunf): 1 tablespoon

Butter: 2-3 tablespoons

Ginger and Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon

Chopped Onions: For garnishing

Coriander Leaves: A few sprigs, finely chopped

Pav Bhaji Masher: (Available in kitchen stores)

Pav Bhaji Masala: 1-2 tablespoons

Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tablespoon

Water: 2 bowls

Sugar: 1/4 tablespoon

Salt: As required

Oil: 2 tablespoons

Red Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon

Procedure

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over high flame. Add 1 bowl of chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until they turn translucent.

Step 2: Add Fennel Seeds

Add 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds (saunf) to the pan. Mix well and sauté for another minute to release their aroma.

Step 3: Incorporate Ginger and Garlic Paste

Add 1 tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste to the mixture. Stir continuously and sauté for 2 minutes over high flame until the raw smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add 2 bowls of chopped tomatoes to the pan along with 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes become soft and pulpy.

Step 5: Add Sugar

Add 1/4 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Stir well and sauté for a few seconds.

Step 6: Add Vegetables and Cook

Add all the finely chopped and boiled vegetables (cauliflower, green peas, carrots, French beans, and mashed potatoes) to the pan. Pour in 2 bowls of water and mix thoroughly. Cook over high flame for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Add Pav Bhaji Masala and Coriander

Stir in a few chopped coriander leaves and 1 tablespoon of pav bhaji masala. Mix well and let the curry cook for another 8-10 minutes over medium flame until it reaches the desired thickness.

Step 8: Mash the Bhaji and Add Condiments

Using a pav bhaji masher or a potato masher, mash the cooked vegetables until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce and 1 tablespoon of tamarind chutney to enhance the flavor. Mix well.

Step 9: Finalize the Bhaji

Mash the bhaji again to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Turn off the flame once the bhaji reaches a thick, smooth consistency.

Step 10: Prepare the Pav (Bread Rolls)

Slice the pav (bread rolls) in half horizontally.

Step 11: Toast the Pav with Butter

Heat a frying pan or tawa over medium flame. Add a little butter to the pan. Place the sliced pav on the pan and toast them on both sides until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 12: Serve the Pav Bhaji

Your delicious homemade Pav Bhaji is now ready to serve. Transfer the hot bhaji to a serving bowl, garnish with a dollop of butter and chopped onions. Serve it alongside the toasted pav. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones.

Conclusion

Pav Bhaji is not just a dish; it's an experience of rich flavors and textures that epitomizes Indian street food culture. Making Pav Bhaji at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Whether it's a family gathering or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress everyone. You can also experiment by making Pav Bhaji Burgers or adding cheese for a variation. Serve it hot and watch it become a favorite at your dining table.