Pav Bhaji Recipe: A Spicy and Tangy Delight for Food Enthusiasts

 

Pav Bhaji Recipe

Introduction:

Pav Bhaji is a beloved street food dish from Mumbai, India, that consists of a flavorful and spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft, buttery buns (pav). This mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures has gained immense popularity not just in India, but around the world. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to create an irresistible Pav Bhaji that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji:

• 3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as cauliflower, carrots, peas, and bell peppers), finely chopped

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

• 2 green chilies, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1/4 cup butter

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

For the Pav:

• 8 pav buns

• Butter for toasting

For the Garnish:

• Finely chopped onions

• Fresh coriander leaves

• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Bhaji:

   • Heat butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.

   • Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.

   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

   • Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

   • Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.

   • Sprinkle pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to combine the spices.

   • Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender, stirring occasionally.

   • Mash the boiled and mashed potatoes and add them to the pan. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

   • Cook the bhaji on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and set aside.

   Preparing the Pav:

   • Slit the pav buns horizontally, leaving one side attached (like a sandwich).

   • Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat and melt butter on it.

   • Place the pav buns on the pan, cut side down, and toast them until they turn golden brown and crispy.

   • Flip them over and toast the other side briefly.

   • Remove the toasted pav buns from the pan and set aside.

   Serving:

   • Serve the hot and spicy Pav Bhaji in a plate, garnished with finely chopped onions and fresh coriander leaves.

   • Squeeze some lemon juice over the bhaji for a tangy touch.

   • Serve the toasted pav buns alongside the bhaji.

   • Optionally, you can serve a dollop of butter on top of the bhaji for added richness.

Tips:

• Customize the vegetable selection in the bhaji based on your preferences and seasonal availability.

• Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red chili powder and green chilies.

• Use fresh, soft pav buns for the best experience. If unavailable, regular burger buns can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion:

Pav Bhaji is a delightful and flavorful street food dish that captures the essence of Mumbai's vibrant culinary culture. By following this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Pav Bhaji in your own kitchen and treat yourself to a burst of flavors. Enjoy the spicy and tangy bhaji with soft and buttery pav buns, and savor the unique blend of tastes that make Pav Bhaji an all-time favorite.