Homestyle Pav Bhaji: A Hearty and Delicious Dish
Pav Bhaji" is an iconic and beloved street food in India, often enjoyed as a quick, flavorful, and filling snack. This delightful dish has gained a cult following for its irresistible combination of spicy, tangy vegetable curry (the "bhaji") served alongside soft and buttery bread rolls (the "pav"). It's a dish that's celebrated for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and the satisfying feeling it offers.
Pav Bhaji is prepared by simmering a medley of vegetables like potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers until they're tender, and then mashing them together with a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a luscious and thick curry bursting with flavor. The secret lies in the special Pav Bhaji masala, which adds a unique and enticing taste.
Served piping hot with a generous dollop of butter, freshly toasted pav, and a sprinkle of chopped onions and coriander leaves, Pav Bhaji is a treat for the senses. Its versatile nature allows it to be savored for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Whether you're indulging in it at a street-side stall in Mumbai or recreating it in your kitchen, Pav Bhaji is a culinary masterpiece that never fails to leave a lasting impression. The next time you're in search of a hearty and delightful dish, look no further than Pav Bhaji—a flavor-packed delight that's bound to satisfy your cravings.
- 4 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables ((peas, carrots, and bell peppers), finely chopped)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 4 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 stick piece of ginger (minced)
- 2 tbsp Pav Bhaji masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder ((adjust to taste))
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 tbsp butter
- 10 pav ((bread rolls))
- 1 lemone (cut into wedges)
- 1 Salt to tast
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Boil the potatoes until they're soft, then peel and mash them. Set aside.
Boil the mixed vegetables until they're tender, drain, and keep them ready.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
Next, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Bell Peppers:
Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes and green bell pepper. Cook until they turn soft and blend well with the onions.
- Spices:
Add the Pav Bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes:
Add the mashed potatoes and boiled mixed vegetables to the pan. Mix them thoroughly with the masala.
- Mash and Simmer:
Using a potato masher, gently mash the mixture while it's cooking. Add a little water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Buttered Pav:
While the Bhaji is simmering, slice the pav rolls horizontally and lightly toast them in butter on a griddle until they're golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve:
Serve the hot Pav Bhaji, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a lemon wedge on the side.
- Serving:
Enjoy your homemade Pav Bhaji with the buttered pav rolls. It's often served with additional butter, chopped onions, and a side of pickles for extra flavor.
Pav Bhaji is the ultimate street food experience, packed with flavor and a satisfying meal in itself.
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 321kcal
- Calories from Fat 126kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 18mg6%
- Sodium 896mg38%
- Potassium 1166mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 88g30%
- Dietary Fiber 13g52%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 16g32%
- Vitamin A 5459 IU
- Vitamin C 84 mg
- Calcium 255 mg
- Iron 6 mg
- Vitamin D 1 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 28 mcg
- Vitamin B6 1 mg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Phosphorus 270 mg
- Magnesium 102 mmol
- Zinc 2 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less red chili powder.
You can customize the vegetable mix based on your preference, but peas and carrots are classic choices.
Pav Bhaji masala is a key spice blend for this dish, readily available at Indian grocery stores.
Use a generous amount of butter for an authentic taste and to enhance the dish's richness.