Craving some pav bhaji today? Try this recipe at home
Pav bhaji is a beloved Indian street food originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai. A spicy and buttery blend of mashed vegetables served with soft bread rolls, it's a dish that has won hearts across the country. Historically, it was a quick lunchtime fix for textile mill workers in the 1850s but has since evolved into a culinary staple at gatherings and homes.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you will need two cups of cauliflower florets, one cup of diced carrots, 1/2 cup green peas, three medium potatoes (peeled and chopped), two finely chopped onions, two diced bell peppers, three chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup of butter, coriander, two tablespoons pav bhaji masala, one teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, one teaspoon garam masala, salt, and ginger-garlic paste.
Saute and simmer
Heat a large pan over medium flame and melt half the butter. Add onions and saute until translucent. Stir in bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the ginger-garlic paste. Once aromatic, mix in tomatoes until they soften. Now introduce all your spices and let them sizzle with the veggies to unlock their full potential.
Mash and merge
Add your boiled potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and peas to the tomato-onion mixture. With a potato masher or heavy spoon, mash everything together while cooking over low heat. If the mixture seems dry or starts sticking to the pan, add splashes of water as needed. Mashing is key, so make sure it should be thick with some texture remaining.
Toast and taste
While your bhaji simmers to perfection on one burner, toast buttered pav (bread rolls) on another pan until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. The buttery crunch of pav pairs impeccably with the spicy softness of bhaji. In case the butter is not available, you can also toast them in oil or ghee.
Garnish and serve
Ladle out generous portions of bhaji onto plates; dot with a dollop of butter, if desired. Sprinkle chopped coriander over each serving for that herby freshness. Accompany with toasted pav and lemon wedges on the side squeeze liberally for that zesty kick. Your pav bhaji is now ready to delight palates! Serve hot and enjoy this quintessential Mumbai fare right at home!
