ucalorie When it comes to street food that defines Indian comfort cuisine, few dishes can rival the vibrant and flavorful appeal of Pav Bhaji. This quintessential Mumbai Street food brings together a medley of spiced, mashed vegetables paired with buttery, toasted pav (bread rolls). Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, preparing a comforting family meal, or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, Pav Bhaji is a dish that never fails to satisfy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also highly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or even make it healthier with whole wheat pav. With its rich, buttery flavor and inviting aroma, Pav Bhaji is a culinary experience that promises to delight your taste buds.
Perfect for any occasion, this dish demonstrates how humble ingredients can transform into a feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, following this step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious Pav Bhaji that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
Preparation Time for Pav Bhaji
Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):
- Potatoes (3 medium, boiled and mashed)
Calories: ~300 calories - Cauliflower (1 cup, finely chopped)
Calories: ~30 calories - Green Peas (1/2 cup, boiled)
Calories: ~60 calories - Capsicum (1 medium, finely chopped)
Calories: ~25 calories - Tomatoes (4 large, pureed)
Calories: ~120 calories - Onions (2 medium, finely chopped)
Calories: ~120 calories - Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
Calories: ~10 calories - Ginger (1-inch piece, grated)
Calories: ~5 calories - Pav Bhaji Masala (2 tablespoons)
Calories: ~40 calories - Red Chili Powder (1 teaspoon)
Calories: ~5 calories - Butter (3 tablespoons)
Calories: ~300 calories - Oil (2 tablespoons)
Calories: ~240 calories - Salt (to taste)
Calories: 0 calories - Water (1 cup)
Calories: 0 calories
To make the Pav (Bread Rolls):
- Pav (8 pieces)
Calories: ~1,120 calories - Butter (3 tablespoons)
Calories: ~300 calories
For Garnishing:
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (2 tablespoons, chopped)
Calories: ~2 calories - Lemon Wedges (2)
Calories: ~5 calories - Onion (1 small, finely chopped)
Calories: ~40 calories
Instructions
1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Boil and Mash: Boil the potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas until tender. Mash them together to form a coarse mixture.
- Chop and Puree: Finely chop the capsicum and onions. Puree the tomatoes in a blender and set aside.
2: Cook the Bhaji
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions. Cook until the onions turn translucent (~3 minutes).
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the pureed tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, and red chili powder. Cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate (~5 minutes).
- Combine Vegetables: Add the mashed vegetables to the pan. Mix well, mashing further with a potato masher to achieve a smooth consistency. Add water as needed to adjust the thickness.
- Simmer: Add salt to taste and let the bhaji simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finish with 2 tablespoons of butter and mix well.
3: Prepare the Pav
- Toast with Butter: Heat a flat griddle or tawa. Slice the pav horizontally and toast them with butter until golden and crisp.
4: Serve
- Garnish and Plate: Serve the bhaji hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves, a dollop of butter, and lemon wedges on the side. Pair it with the toasted pav and chopped onions for the perfect bite.
Calorie Breakdown
- Potatoes: ~300 calories
- Cauliflower: ~30 calories
- Green Peas: ~60 calories
- Capsicum: ~25 calories
- Tomatoes: ~120 calories
- Onions: ~120 calories
- Garlic: ~10 calories
- Ginger: ~5 calories
- Pav Bhaji Masala: ~40 calories
- Red Chili Powder: ~5 calories
- Butter (Bhaji): ~300 calories
- Oil: ~240 calories
- Pav: ~1,120 calories
- Butter (Pav): ~300 calories
- Garnishes: ~47 calories
Total Calories: ~2,722 calories (serves 4, ~680 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Explosion: The pav bhaji masala and butter create a rich and savory flavor profile that’s both indulgent and comforting.
- Textural Harmony: The creamy bhaji contrasts beautifully with the crisp, buttery pav.
- Customizable: Easily add vegetables like carrots or beans to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack or a main course, Pav Bhaji fits the bill effortlessly.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Pav Bhaji healthier?
A: Yes! Use less butter, opt for whole wheat pav, and add more vegetables for added fiber and nutrition.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store the bhaji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Substitute butter with vegan butter or oil and ensure the pav is dairy-free.
Q: Is Pav Bhaji gluten-free?
A: The bhaji is naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need to pair it with gluten-free bread instead of regular pav.
