Bhumika Jagtap
Ultimate Guide to Perfect Pav Bhaji: Tips, Tricks, and Recipe Secrets
Discover the real flavors of Mumbai with this ultimate Pav Bhaji recipe. From the list of ingredients to step-by-step preparation and pro tips, make a mouth-watering Pav Bhaji Recipe at home without any fuss!
What is Pav Bhaji?
Pav Bhaji is one of the most popular Indian street foods that emerged from Mumbai. It is a delicious combination of spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered, toasted bread rolls (pav). The rich flavors vibrant color and appealing aroma have made Pav Bhaji the favorite comfort food item throughout India. It is not just a meal-it’s an experience of pleasure and nostalgia.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (boiled) | 4 medium |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 4 large |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Green Capsicum (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Green Peas (boiled) | 1/2 cup |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 2 tsp |
| Butter | 4-5 tbsp |
| Pav Bhaji Masala | 2 tbsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh Coriander (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Pav (bread rolls) | 8-10 |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
How to Make It: A Step-by-Step Process
Prepare the vegetables
- Add the boiled potatoes and the green peas into it. Leave it.
- Chop the onions, tomatoes, and capsicum very fine.
Cook the base masala.
- Heat the oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan.
- Add cumin seeds, letting them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and stir-fry till aromatic.
Add tomatoes and spices.
- Add diced tomatoes. Cook them until they get mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chile powder, and Pav Bhaji masala; mix well.
Add vegetables
- Add the following to the pan: mashed potatoes, peas, and chopped capsicum.
- Mix well and mash it with a masher for a fine consistency.
Textural Texture Adjustment
- Add sufficient water to obtain the right bhaji thickness.
- Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring.
Toast the Pav
- Heat a tawa, a flat griddle, and melt a little butter.
- Slice the pav horizontally and toast them on the tawa till golden and crisp.
Garnish and serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander, a dollop of butter, and a splash of lemon juice.
- Serve hot with pav toasted and sliced onions on the side.
Secret pro tips
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables produce good flavors in the bhaji.
Mash Well: The smoothness of the bhaji is due to the proper mashing of the vegetables.
Balance the Spices: Taste and adjust the Pav Bhaji masala and chili powder to your taste.
Generous Butter: Never compromise on the butter usage for that actual street-food flavor.
Simmer Longer: Let it simmer in for richer and deeper flavors.
Why Choose Blend of India Spices?
For an unforgettable taste, a good amount of spices do the magic. Blend of India is coming up with its organic preservative-free spices, promising to get the real authentic flavors of India in the kitchen today. Watch this space for the launch of Blend of India Spices to be yours.
FAQ’s
Q. Can I use store-bought Pav Bhaji Masala?
A. Yes, the store-bought Pav Bhaji Masala works very well. But if you want the authentic taste, you can prepare your blend at home.
Q. Is Pav Bhaji vegan?
A. The authentic Pav Bhaji is not vegan because it includes butter. To make it vegan, replace the butter with vegan alternatives.
Q. What to eat with Pav Bhaji?
A. Toasted pav is the best accompaniment for Pav Bhaji. Steamed rice and naan can also be served if you cannot find or do not like toasted pav.
Q. How do I make Pav Bhaji a healthy dish?
A. I can reduce butter usage, use whole wheat pav, and include more veggies like carrots and cauliflower.
Q. Can I freeze leftover bhaji?
A. Sure thing. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a month, thaw it, reheat it on a stovetop, or thin it out with water if needed.
