About Pav Bhaji
You ask any Indian what food they miss the most when living in another county, I am sure the immediate answer would be street-food or chats (chaat). Indian chaat recipes are among the most popular recipes in the world. Pav bhaji is one such recipe that is loved by people of all age groups. Mumbai street style pav bhaji is a must-try dish if you visit Amchi Mumbai.
What does Bhaji mean? and What are Bhajis made of?
Bhaji is a very versatile dish. Along with main ingredients like potatoes, green peas, tomatoes and onions you can add additional veggies like cauliflower, capsicum, carrots and Indian spices like garam masala, chat masala, and cumin powder to the recipe. I love simple bhaji prepared using potatoes and green peas, which are then garnished with coriander leaves and finely chopped onions. Even the spices I add to my bhaji are very limited I just add red chilli powder and pav bhaji masala. Sometime very simple but important ingredients blended together makes your dish outstanding. Do try out this simple and easy recipe for pav bhaji along with fresh homemade honey butter rolls or homemade pav and share your comments. I am sure you are going to love this. While you are here, do check out my other favorite Indian chat (chaats) or street food or evening snacks recipes like bhel puri, masala puri, papdi chat, aloo tikki chat, ragda pattice, vada pav, dabeli, aloo pyaz kachori, aloo chana chaat, etc. Dont forget to try some popular street-side sweet items such as:
Ingredients for Pav Bhaji
For the Bhaji
Potatoes, Green peas (fresh or frozen, or cooked), and Tomato are the vegetables used in this recipe. You can also add carrots, capsicum (bell pepper), cauliflower, green beans, etc. Butter (Vegan butter) and Vegetable oil - used to saute the spices and aromatic veggies. You can use only butter or vegetable oil if preferred. Cumin seeds - a common spice used in Indian cuisine. You can use Jeera Powder in place of cumin seeds. Onions and Garlic cloves - aromatic veggies added to this dish. Red chile powder and Pav bhaji masala - are the two main spices used on this dish. You can use cayenne or paprika in place of red chili powder. If pav bhaji masala is unavailable, feel free to use garam masala powder or curry powder. Salt - to taste Coriander leaves (Cilantro) adds freshness and flavor to the dish.
For the Pav/Bun
Homemade honey butter rolls / Pav - is the main component of the dish. It is served as a side, either toasted or untoasted. Butter (Vegan butter) - to apply before/after toasting the pav (buns/bread) over a skillet or in a toaster/oven. Red chile powder and Chat masala are optional. These add additional flavor to the toasted pav/buns.
Finely chopped onions, Cilantro (Coriander leaves), Butter (Vegan butter), and Lemon slices for garnish and side.
Refer to the recipe card for a complete list of ingredients and their exact amounts.
How to make Pav Bhaji - Step by Step Recipe
Step 1 - Cook the vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, peas, etc.) using any method (stovetop/instant pot/microwave) of your choice. Step 2 - In a pan, add butter, vegetable oil, cumin seeds and saute for a few seconds. To this add the onions, garlic, salt and saute till onions turn translucent. Add red chilli powder and all cooked vegetables from Step 1 and mash everything together. To this add pav bhaji masala, salt to taste, water for desired consistency and bring this to a nice boil. Add chopped cilantro, mix well and switch off the flame. Step 3 - In a bowl, add melted butter, red chile powder, chat masala and mix. Heat a non-stick pan or tava. Warm each pav/roll by brushing both the sides with butter mixture prepared above. Serve toasted pav (from Step 3) along with bhaji (from Step 2). Add a side of chopped onions, lemon slice, and cilantro leaves.
Variations to the Pav Bhaji Recipe
Expert Chef Tips
Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower, capsicum, and carrots if desired. Vary the spiciness and masalas as per your taste. If you are using medium-sized tomatoes, add 2 of them to the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Can we make pav bhaji ahead of time?
Pav Bhaji tastes best about 5 to 6 hours after preparing it. This is because, the spices/masala and the vegetables would have had sufficient time to blend with each other which enhances the taste of your bhaji. I usually prepare the bhaji at night and serve it the next morning or atleast 4 to 5 hours before you are ready to serve.
Can we freeze pav bhaji?
Yes, you can definitely make bhaji in bulk and store in freezer. This would be useful if you are busy working mom or single working professional who likes to meal prep. If you are planning to freeze, I would recommend freezing it portion wise and then thaw it in refrigerator overnight. Next day heat it up and serve with some pav/bun or slices of bread.
How long does pav bhaji last in the fridge?
The flavors of pav bhaji remain fresh in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days.
How to reheat the bhaji?
Reheat the bhaji on the stovetop until it comes to a simmer and serve. Add a splash of water before reheating to adjust the consistency of the bhaji. You can also reheat the bhaji in a microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
More Steet-food/Chaat Recipes to Love
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Recipe card
