Classic Pav Bhaji Recipe
2023-07-12
By Chef Tanvi
Indian Cuisine
Main Course
Enjoy the delicious and spicy Pav Bhaji at home with this simple and easy recipe.
Is Pav Bhaji served as a street food in India?
A popular Indian street food that originated in the state of Maharashtra, specifically in the city of Mumbai. The dish was invented in the 19th century by street vendors in Mumbai who wanted to create a filling and nutritious meal that could be prepared quickly, served to workers as a lunchtime snack.
What are the ingredients for Pav Bhaji?
The Bhaji is made with a combination of mashed vegetables, tomato, onion, and a spice mix called "Pav Bhaji Masala," which includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and served with a soft bread roll known as "Pav.".
How to make Pav Bhaji at home?
The dish is cooked on a large flat griddle known as a Tava and mixed together until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.
What type of bread is traditionally served with Pav Bhaji?
Made from a yeasted dough made with all-purpose flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and potentially butter or milk resulting in a soft and fluffy bread roll, similar to dinner rolls or hamburger buns. It is typically sliced in half and buttered.
Pitfalls on Pav Bhaji
Balancing the flavors: Pav Bhaji should be a mixture of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. But too much spice can overpower the dish, making it too hot to enjoy. Start with less spice and adjust according to your taste.
Choosing the right vegetables: Pav Bhaji typically consists of potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, and peas, but you can also use other vegetables as per your preference. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should be soft but still retain their shape.
Getting the perfect texture: The Bhaji should be smooth and creamy, but still retain some texture and bite from the vegetables. This can be achieved by mashing the vegetables with a potato masher or a blender to your desired consistency.
Finding authentic spices: Some spices, such as pav bhaji masala, may not be easily available in all areas. You can make your own spice blend by combining various spices such as cumin, coriander, fennel, black pepper, and others, give our article a chance to engage you Enhance the Flavor.
Serving with the right bread: Pav Bhaji is served with a soft, buttered dinner roll called pav. You can use any type of bread that is similar to pav, such as burger buns or slider rolls.
Ingredients
4 potatoes, peeled and boiled
3 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 green chilies, chopped
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp amchur powder
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
Salt, to taste
8 Pav
Butter, as required for pav
Chopped onion, coriander leaves, and lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil and butter in a pan.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Cook until onions become translucent.
Add tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
Add green bell peppers, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until green bell peppers become soft.
Add boiled potatoes and mash them with a masher or back of a ladle.
Mix everything well and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
Add amchur powder and mix well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Garnish with coriander leaves, chopped onions, and lemon wedges.
Slit the pav horizontally and roast lightly with butter.
Serve hot with the pav.
Preparation Time 15 min
Cook Time 30 min
Total time 45 min
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 67 g
Fiber: 12 g
Sugar: 10 g
Protein: 9 g
Regional Ingredients Variations of Pav Bhaji
Mumbai Pav Bhaji: This is the original version of the popular street food and consists of a vegetable-based curry (bhaji) made with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, green peas, capsicum, and a mix of spices like pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, and turmeric. It is served with a buttered and toasted pav (bun) alongside diced onions and lemon wedges.
Delhi Pav Bhaji: Known as "Dilli-style Pav Bhaji", this version includes a generous amount of butter, sometimes even topped with grated cheese for extra richness. It is typically served with a dollop of mint chutney on top.
Goa Pav Bhaji: Called "Goan-style Pav Bhaji", this version includes a unique blend of local spices like fennel, cinnamon, and star anise, which gives it a slightly different taste. It is typically served with a sprinkling of chopped coriander leaves and a slice of lime.
Bangalore Pav Bhaji: Known as "Karnataka-style Pav Bhaji", this version is spicier than the original version and includes a mix of vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and beans along with the usual potatoes and capsicum. It is typically served with a spicy garlic chutney.
Vadodara Pav Bhaji: Called "Vadodara-style Pav Bhaji", this version includes a unique addition of sev (thin noodles made from chickpea flour) on top of the curry, adding some extra crunch. It is typically served with a side of chopped onions and lemon wedges.
Hyderabad Pav Bhaji: Known as "Telangana-style Pav Bhaji", this version includes a generous amount of peanuts and a mix of spices like coriander and cumin powder. This version also includes a lot of green chili for an extra kick.
Kolkata Pav Bhaji: Called "Kolkata-style Pav Bhaji", this version is spicier and often includes the addition of mustard oil, which gives it a unique tangy flavor. It is typically served with a side of chopped onions and green chili.
Try this yummy #PavBhaji Recipe at home and indulge in the delicious flavors of #IndianStreetFood. #WestIndia