Pav Bhaji, a classic Mumbai street food, combines a rich, buttery vegetable curry (Bhaji) with soft Pav buns. This hearty dish is ideal for evening snacks or as a fulfilling meal for dinners, parties, and gatherings. Enjoy the authentic flavors of India in every bite!
Begin by heating oil in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds, pav bhaji masala, chopped tomatoes, diced carrot, potato, beetroot, green peas, salt, and a suitable amount of water. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Secure the pressure cooker lid and place the regulator (whistle) on top. Allow the mixture to cook until you hear three whistles, indicating the vegetables are cooked.
Wait for the pressure to release naturally from the cooker. Once it's safe, open the lid and use a hand potato masher to thoroughly mash the vegetables until they reach a mushy, gravy-like consistency. Set aside this vegetable mixture for later use in the recipe.
Preparing Bhaji
Start by heating a pan over medium heat. Add butter, followed by chopped onions and green bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients until they soften.
To the pan, add Kashmiri chili powder, pav bhaji masala, Kasoori methi, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Continue to sauté until the raw smell of the spices fades away.
Pour in a little water and bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the spices to infuse.
Add the previously prepared vegetable gravy to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure the spices and vegetables are well combined.
Let the bhaji simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dish is ready once the gravy thickens and starts to release butter from its sides, indicating a rich and flavorful Bhaji (masala) ready to be served and enjoyed.
Toasting Pav Bun
Heat another pan over medium heat. Add butter, a sprinkle of coriander leaves, and 1 teaspoon of the prepared pav bhaji masala (per bun). Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors.
Slice a pair of pav buns in half and place them in the pan. Toast the buns on both sides until they are crispy and acquire a shiny, golden-brown appearance. This step infuses the pav with the flavors of the masala and butter, making them a perfect complement to the bhaji.
Assembling and Serving Pav Bhaji
To serve, ladle the aromatic, prepared Bhaji onto a plate. Arrange the crisply toasted pav buns alongside. Garnish the Bhaji with fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped onion, and lemon wedges for a burst of flavor. Enjoy dipping the buttery pav buns into the rich bhaji, making it a perfect choice for an evening snack, a hearty dinner, get-togethers, or parties.
Notes
Unlock the secrets to the perfect Pav Bhaji with these essential tips, tailored to enhance the authentic flavors of this dish.
Butter and Spices Management:
Butter Usage: Traditional Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji is rich in butter. However, you can adjust the quantity to your liking, which can help in balancing the richness and calorie content to meet dietary preferences.
Masala Choices: While store-bought pav bhaji masala is convenient, homemade masala (recipe provided below) lets you control the spice levels and ensures freshness. It can transform the dish with a personal touch of flavor.
Fresh Ginger-Garlic Paste: Opt for freshly ground ginger-garlic paste rather than store-bought for an authentic, aromatic flavor. Fresh paste makes a noticeable difference in enhancing the depth and richness of the bhaji masala.
Balancing Spices: If you're new to cooking Indian cuisine, start with a moderate amount of spices and gradually adjust to taste. The key to a great Pav Bhaji is balancing the flavors of the spices with the vegetables.
Heat Management: Pav Bhaji is known for its spicy kick. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies. Conversely, for extra heat, increase them slightly.
Cooking and Serving Techniques:
Vibrant Color Tips: For that characteristic bright red hue, Kashmiri red chili powder is a must. Its mild heat and vibrant color are perfect. Including beetroot not only adds to the color but also increases the nutritional value, making the bhaji both appealing and healthy.
Garnishing for Enhanced Flavor: Garnishing the bhaji with fresh, chopped onions and coriander not only adds texture but also a fresh, zesty flavor, balancing the rich and spicy bhaji.
Serving Temperature: Serve Pav Bhaji hot. The warmth enhances the flavors and aroma, providing a comforting eating experience.
Dietary Adaptations and Storage:
Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan butter or a neutral-flavored oil. This adaptation allows everyone to enjoy this classic dish without compromising on the taste.
Healthier Version: For a healthier take, use less butter and include more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.