The Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe

Pav Bhaji: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish made with a mashed vegetable mixture and served with soft dinner rolls. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Here is a recipe for making pav bhaji at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green chili pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pav bhaji masala powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped
  • 1 cup peas, cooked
  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup butter

The Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, green chili pepper, and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened and mushy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, pav bhaji masala powder (if using), salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
  5. Add the cauliflower and peas and cook for 5 minutes more.
  6. Stir in the mashed potatoes and cilantro.
  7. Heat the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the pav bhaji mixture and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with pav buns.

The Ultimate Pav Bhaji Recipe

Tips:

  • For a spicier pav bhaji, add more green chili peppers.
  • You can also add other vegetables to the pav bhaji, such as carrots, beans, or corn.
  • To make your own pav bhaji masala powder, combine 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon cinnamon sticks, 1/2 teaspoon bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds in a spice grinder and grind until fine.

Here are some additional tips for making the best pav bhaji:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of the dish.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables. They should still be slightly crunchy.
  • Mash the potatoes well so that they are smooth and creamy.
  • Add the butter at the end to give the pav bhaji a rich and flavorful finish.

Notes:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of the dish.
  • Don't overcook the vegetables. They should still be slightly crunchy.
  • Mash the potatoes well so that they are smooth and creamy.
  • Add the butter at the end to give the pav bhaji a rich and flavorful finish.
  • Garnish with cilantro and lemon wedges, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve pav bhaji with pav buns, which are soft dinner rolls.
  • You can also serve pav bhaji with rice or naan.
  • Garnish with cilantro and lemon wedges, if desired.

Storage:

  • Pav bhaji can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat pav bhaji in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Pav bhaji is best served hot and fresh. Enjoy it with a side of pav buns and a squeeze of lemon juice.