Delicious Homemade Pav Bhaji recipe is a popular Indian street food dish that originated in the state of Maharashtra but is enjoyed all over India. It consists of a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) usually made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, tomatoes, peas, onions, capsicum (bell peppers), and a blend of spices like pav bhaji masala. The bhaji is cooked with butter and served with pav (soft dinner rolls) that are toasted with butter on a griddle.
Here’s a basic recipe to make PavBhaji Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bhaji
- 3-4 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, cauliflower – boiled and mashed)
- 2-3 tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 capsicum (bell pepper – finely chopped)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
- 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Lemon wedges
For the Pav
- 8 pav (dinner rolls)
- Butter for toasting
Instructions
1/ Heat a pan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
2/ Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
3/ Add chopped capsicum and sauté for a few minutes until it softens.
4/ Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and the oil begins to separate.
5/ Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
6/ Add mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables. Mix thoroughly, mashing the vegetables with the back of the spoon or a masher.
7/ Add water as needed to get the desired consistency. Simmer the bhaji for 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
8/ Add remaining butter and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
9/ For the pav, slice the dinner rolls horizontally, apply butter, and toast on a griddle until they turn golden brown.
10/ Serve the hot and spicy bhaji with the buttery toasted pav, garnished with a dollop of butter, chopped onions, and a lemon wedge on the side.
PavBhaji is typically enjoyed as a snack or a quick meal and is loved for its spicy and tangy flavors. Adjust the spice levels and butter according to your taste preferences.
Tips and Tricks to Make Delicious Pav Bhaji
Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for fresh vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, peas, capsicum, and cauliflower for the best flavors.
Mash Well: Ensure the vegetables are well-mashed to create a smooth texture for the bhaji. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to achieve the desired consistency.
Pav Bhaji Masala: Invest in a good quality pav bhaji masala or prepare your own homemade blend for authentic flavors. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences.
Butter is Key: Butter plays a crucial role in enhancing the taste of Pav Bhaji. Use generous amounts while cooking the bhaji and also for toasting the pav.
Slow Cooking: Allow the bhaji to simmer on low heat for some time. This helps in amalgamating the flavors and results in a more flavorful dish.
Garnish Right: Freshly chopped coriander leaves, a dollop of butter, finely chopped onions, and a squeeze of lemon add a burst of freshness and tanginess to the dish.
Consistency Matters: Adjust the consistency of the bhaji by adding water gradually. It should be thick and not too runny.
Toast Pav Perfectly: Toast the pav with butter on a griddle until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Customize Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add green chilies or red chili powder to increase the heat or reduce them for a milder version.
Serve Hot: Pav Bhaji tastes best when served hot. Serve immediately with buttered pav for a delightful experience.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving of Pav Bhaji
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving (this can vary based on portion size and ingredients used).
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50 grams per serving, mostly from the pav (bread) and vegetables.
- Protein: Approximately 5-8 grams per serving, primarily from vegetables like peas and potatoes.
- Fat: Roughly 10-15 grams per serving, mainly from the butter used in cooking the bhaji and toasting the pav.
- Fiber: Around 8-10 grams per serving due to the presence of vegetables in the bhaji.
Please note that these values are estimated and can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion sizes.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Pav Bhaji?
- Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish consisting of a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) served with buttered and toasted pav (dinner rolls).
What are the main ingredients used in Pav Bhaji?
- The main ingredients include potatoes, tomatoes, peas, onions, capsicum (bell peppers), cauliflower, spices (such as pavbhaji masala), butter, and pav (bread rolls).
Is Pav Bhaji spicy?
- Yes, Pav Bhaji is known for its spiciness. It typically contains spices like red chili powder, green chilies, and pavbhaji masala, giving it a flavorful and spicy taste.
Can I make Pav Bhaji without butter?
- While butter is a key ingredient in Pav Bhaji and adds to its flavor, you can make a healthier version by reducing the amount of butter used or using alternatives like ghee or oil.
What variations can I make in Pav Bhaji?
- You can customize Pav Bhaji by adding vegetables of your choice, adjusting the spice levels, or even trying different garnishes like grated cheese, chopped coriander, or onions.
Is Pav Bhaji vegan?
- Pav Bhaji can be made vegan by using oil instead of butter for cooking and ensuring no dairy products are used in the preparation of the dish.
Can I reheat Pav Bhaji?
- Yes, you can reheat Pav Bhaji. Simply heat it in a pan or microwave, adding a little water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
What is the best way to serve Pav Bhaji?
- Serve PavBhaji hot, garnished with a dollop of butter, finely chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves. Serve buttered and toasted pav alongside for dipping into the bhaji.
