Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish consisting of a spicy vegetable curry (Bhaji) served with soft bread rolls (Pav). Here's a simple recipe for making Pav Bhaji at home:

Ingredients:

For Bhaji:

• 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice level)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges

For Pav (Bread Rolls):

• 8 pav (soft dinner rolls)
• Butter for toasting

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or kadai.

2. Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn translucent.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

4. Add chopped bell peppers (capsicum) and sauté for a few minutes until they soften.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become mushy.

6. Add Pav Bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate.

7. Add the mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas. Mix everything together and mash the vegetables while stirring.

8. Add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Continue mashing and stirring for about 10-15 minutes until the Bhaji is well-cooked and the flavors have melded.

9. Taste and adjust the spice and salt levels if needed.

10. In another pan, slice the pav (dinner rolls) horizontally, but not all the way through.

11. Apply a little butter to the inside of each pav and toast them on a griddle or pan until they are golden brown.

12. Serve the hot Bhaji with a dollop of butter on top, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges. Serve the toasted pav on the side.

13. Enjoy your homemade Pav Bhaji!

You can also serve some chopped onions and a side of green chutney with your Pav Bhaji. It's a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any time of the day.