Pav Bhaji, a quintessential street food delight originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai, has undoubtedly become a beloved dish across the globe. This delectable combination of spiced mashed vegetables served with buttery bread rolls, known as pav, is not just a dish but an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and brings joy with every bite. Today, let’s embark on a culinary journey and uncover the secrets behind creating the perfect Pav Bhaji in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji:

3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed

1 cup cauliflower florets, finely chopped

1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper (capsicum), finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

4-5 cloves of garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

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

2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

Butter for cooking

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

For the Pav:

8 pav bread rolls

Butter for toasting

Instructions:

Prepare the vegetables:

• Boil potatoes until soft, peel and mash them coarsely. Also, boil cauliflower and peas until tender. Drain and set aside.
• In a large pan or kadhai, melt a generous amount of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
• Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
• Toss in the chopped bell peppers and cook until they turn slightly soft.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become mushy and the oil starts separating from the mixture.
• Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the boiled and mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and peas to the pan. Mix well.
• Now, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt according to taste. Stir everything together until the spices are well incorporated into the vegetable mixture.
• Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the vegetables coarsely while they cook. Keep mashing until you achieve a thick, homogenous consistency.
• Add a dollop of butter and let the bhaji simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• While the bhaji is simmering, prepare the pav. Slit the pav rolls horizontally, but not all the way through. Spread butter on both sides and toast them on a hot griddle until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Once the pav is toasted and the bhaji is ready, serve them hot. Garnish the bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Serve the piping hot Pav Bhaji with additional butter on top, accompanied by some finely chopped onions and lemon wedges on the side.

Mastering the art of making Pav Bhaji at home is not just about following a recipe; it’s about infusing every bite with love and memories of the bustling streets of Mumbai. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack, a hearty meal, or hosting a gathering with friends and family, Pav Bhaji never fails to delight and satisfy. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavorful journey with this iconic street food favorite.