Pav Bhaji (Spicy Mashed Vegetable Curry with Buttered Bread)

 

Here's a recipe for Pav Bhaji, a famous street food from Mumbai that is flavorful, spicy, and perfect for a quick meal.

Recipe: Pav Bhaji (Spicy Mashed Vegetable Curry with Buttered Bread)

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji (vegetable curry):

2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, etc.), boiled

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 large tomato, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)

1-inch piece ginger, grated

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp pav bhaji masala (available at Indian grocery stores)

1 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp oil

Water (as needed to adjust consistency)

For the Pav (bread):

6-8 pav (Indian bread rolls)

2-3 tbsp butter

A pinch of pav bhaji masala (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bhaji:

Heat oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan or wok over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add the green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release oil from the sides.

Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala. Cook the mixture for a couple of minutes until the spices blend well.

Add the boiled vegetables (mashed potatoes and mixed veggies) to the pan. Mash them further with a potato masher, and mix them with the spice mixture.

Add water to adjust the consistency of the bhaji. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the bhaji to be soft and well-mixed. Add salt and lemon juice, then mix well.

Once done, garnish the bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

2. Prepare the Pav:

Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat. Slice the pav rolls horizontally.

Spread a little butter on the inner sides of the pav.

Place the pav on the tawa and toast until golden and crispy. Optionally, you can sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala on the buttered pav for extra flavor.

3. Serve:

Serve the hot bhaji with the buttered pav on the side.

Optionally, top the bhaji with a dollop of butter and some extra chopped onions and lemon wedges.

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Pro Tips:

The key to great pav bhaji is the right balance of spices. Don't skimp on the pav bhaji masala for the authentic flavor.

For a spicier version, you can add extra green chilies or chili powder to the bhaji.

You can also add a bit of grated cheese on top of the bhaji for a cheesy twist!

Pav Bhaji is best enjoyed fresh a

nd hot. Pair it with a cool drink or some crunchy sev for a complete Mumbai-style street food experience!