Paav Bhaaji

Paav Bhaaji Recipe - Vegetarian Food from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Paav Bhaaji is a popular street food dish in India, especially in the state of Maharashtra. It consists of a spicy vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls. This dish is loved for its bold flavors and comforting taste.

History

Paav Bhaaji originated in the 19th century as a quick and affordable meal option for textile mill workers in Mumbai. It was a way to use up leftover vegetables and bread, creating a flavorful and filling dish that could be enjoyed on the go.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed vegetables, finely chopped
1 cup potatoes, finely chopped
1 cup onions, grated
1 tsp garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp ginger, finely chopped
1 cup tomatoes, grated
0.5 cup tomato purée
green chillies, chopped to taste
2 tsp cumin seeds
0.5 tsp turmeric
1 tsp pav bhaji masala
0.5 tsp powdered red pepper
1 tbsp salt
6 pav breads
6 tbsp butter for the bread
0.5 cup oil

How to prepare

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Sauté until the seeds start to crackle.
Add the onion paste and continue sautéing until it turns brown and the fat separates.
Next, add the mixed vegetables and potatoes. Sauté over high heat initially, then reduce to low heat and cook until they are fully cooked.
Include tomatoes, puree, green chillies, turmeric, salt, pav bhaji masala, and red pepper. Continue cooking until the fat separates. While cooking, mash the vegetables with a stirrer.
To serve, heat some butter in a separate pan. Cut the bread horizontally and fry it in the butter until it turns brown.
Serve the fried bread with the cooked vegetables.

Variations

Add paneer or tofu for a protein boost.
Use different spices like garam masala or coriander powder for a unique flavor profile.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a mix of vegetables like potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers for a variety of textures and flavors.

- Mash the vegetables well to create a thick and creamy curry consistency.

- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less green chillies and red pepper powder.

- Serve the Paav Bhaaji hot with a dollop of butter on top for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Paav Bhaaji hot with a side of sliced onions, lemon wedges, and green chutney for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables on high heat initially to retain their crunchiness.

- Mash the vegetables well to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor.

- Substitute the pav bhaji masala with garam masala if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The vegetable curry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Paav Bhaaji in a traditional Indian thali with a side of rice or roti for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Paav Bhaaji with a refreshing glass of lassi or buttermilk to balance out the spiciness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Paav Bhaaji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Paav Bhaaji contains around 300 calories, making it a filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Paav Bhaaji is a carb-heavy dish due to the bread rolls and potatoes. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The butter used in this recipe adds to the fat content, with each serving containing around 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

While the vegetables in Paav Bhaaji provide some protein, it is not a significant source. Each serving contains about 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the mixed vegetables used. It provides a good amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread rolls. It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or omitting the bread altogether.

Summary

Paav Bhaaji is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is high in carbohydrates and moderate in fats. It provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the mixed vegetables used.

Summary

Paav Bhaaji is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a mix of vegetables and bold spices, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this flavorful street food classic at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Paav Bhaji. It was a warm summer day when my dear friend Meera invited me over to her house for lunch. I had always admired Meera's cooking skills and the delicious aromas that wafted from her kitchen whenever I passed by her house. Little did I know that this particular lunch would change my life forever.

As I entered Meera's kitchen, I noticed a large pot bubbling away on the stove, filled with a vibrant red mixture that smelled of spices and vegetables. Meera greeted me with a warm smile and ushered me over to the stove. She explained that she was making Paav Bhaji, a popular street food from Mumbai that was loved by people of all ages.

I watched in awe as Meera skillfully mashed the vegetables in the pot, creating a thick, flavorful mixture that reminded me of a hearty stew. She then toasted some buttered buns on a griddle until they were golden brown and crispy. The combination of the spicy vegetable mixture and the buttery buns was a match made in culinary heaven.

Meera then handed me a plate piled high with Paav Bhaji and a dollop of butter on top. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a bustling street in Mumbai, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city. The flavors were bold and comforting, with just the right amount of spice to tingle my taste buds.

I begged Meera to share her recipe with me, knowing that I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. She laughed and agreed, handing me a worn piece of paper with handwritten instructions. I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish this recipe forever.

Back at home, I eagerly gathered the ingredients needed to make Paav Bhaji. I chopped up onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and potatoes, along with a medley of spices that would give the dish its signature flavor. I followed Meera's instructions carefully, simmering the vegetables in a pot until they were soft and fragrant.

As I mashed the vegetables together with a potato masher, I could feel the connection to Meera and her love for cooking. The act of creating something delicious from simple ingredients was a form of artistry that I had never fully appreciated until that moment.

Finally, I toasted some buns in a pan with butter, letting them soak up the flavors of the Paav Bhaji. I plated the dish with a generous helping of butter on top, just like Meera had done. The first bite brought back memories of that fateful day in Meera's kitchen, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Paav Bhaji countless times for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers who have become friends through a shared love of food. Every time I make this dish, I am reminded of Meera and the gift she gave me that day - a recipe that has brought joy and nourishment to so many people.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming plate of Paav Bhaji, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that brought me to this moment. The flavors, the memories, the connections - all of it has shaped me into the cook that I am today. And for that, I will always be thankful to Meera and the recipe that changed my life.