Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish with Potatoes, Cabbage, and Spices

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish in India, consisting of a spicy vegetable mash served with buttered buns. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is loved by people of all ages.

History

Pav Bhaji originated in the streets of Mumbai, India, as a quick and affordable meal option for textile mill workers in the 19th century. It has since become a beloved dish across the country and is now enjoyed worldwide.

Ingredients

4 medium-sized potatoes
1 cup chopped cabbage
1 cup cauliflower florets
0.5 cup green peas
2 finely chopped onions
2 finely chopped tomatoes
2 chopped green chilies
4 tbsp butter
2 tsp pavbhaji masala
1.5 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
0.5 tsp turmeric powder
0.5 tsp garam masala
salt to taste
1 cup water (for boiling vegetables)
8 – 10 soft buns (pavs)
2 tbsp finely chopped green coriander leaves
1 small-sized finely chopped onion (for serving)
2 tbsp lemon juice
green chutney / tomato sauce

How to prepare

Cut the potato into small pieces.
Thoroughly wash the vegetables with water.
Pressure cook all the vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, potato, peas) until well done.
Coarsely mash them. (If using frozen peas, no need to pressure cook them)
Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a frying pan or kadhai.
Add green chilies.
Add chopped onions and fry until they become light golden brown in color.
Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until tender.
Add pavbhaji masala, chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and cook for 4 – 5 minutes.
(If using frozen peas, add them now) Add the boiled vegetables, lemon juice, and mix well.
Simmer until it thickens, stirring and mashing the pieces in between.
Slit the pavs horizontally.
Apply a little butter on a tava and roast the pavs until hot and soft.

Variations

Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or beans for extra nutrition.
Use vegan butter and skip the buttered buns for a vegan version of pav bhaji.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are well done before mashing them.

- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.

- Serve the pav bhaji hot with buttered buns for the best experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pav bhaji hot with buttered buns, chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cook the vegetables for faster cooking.

- Mash the vegetables coarsely for a chunky texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought pav bhaji masala if you don't have homemade masala.

- Substitute regular buns for pav if you can't find them.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mash ahead of time and reheat it before serving with freshly toasted buns.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pav bhaji in a bowl with a dollop of butter on top, garnished with chopped coriander leaves and a lemon wedge on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Pav bhaji pairs well with a side of pickled onions, green chutney, or a refreshing glass of buttermilk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pav bhaji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pav bhaji contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pav bhaji contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pav bhaji contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of pav bhaji contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pav bhaji is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

Pav bhaji may contain allergens such as gluten from the buns and dairy from the butter used in the recipe.

Summary

Pav bhaji is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Pav Bhaji is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a flavorful vegetable mash and buttered buns, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to India to visit my relatives. My aunt had made the most delicious Pav Bhaji for dinner one night, and I was determined to learn how to make it myself.

I sat down with her in the kitchen, watching her chop the vegetables and mix them with the spices. She explained each step to me in detail, and I took notes diligently, determined to recreate the dish when I returned home.

When I got back to my own kitchen, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work. Chopping the vegetables brought back memories of my time in India, and the smell of the spices filled the air, transporting me back to my aunt's kitchen.

As I cooked the Pav Bhaji, I could feel my aunt's presence with me, guiding me through each step. When I took my first bite of the dish, I knew I had done it justice. The flavors were just like my aunt's, bringing back memories of that warm summer night in India.

Since then, Pav Bhaji has become a staple in my household. I have made it for countless family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving compliments on how authentic it tastes. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of that first time I learned the recipe and how it has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and vegetables to create a Pav Bhaji that is uniquely mine. But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always brings me back to that warm summer night in India and the joy of learning something new from my aunt.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and share it with my loved ones. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and Pav Bhaji holds a special place in my heart as a dish that connects me to my heritage and my family.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Pav Bhaji with my loved ones, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned in the kitchen, and for the joy that cooking has brought into my life.

So here's to my aunt, who first introduced me to the joys of Pav Bhaji, and to the many more meals and memories that this dish will bring in the years to come. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating connections and sharing love with those around you. And for that, I am eternally grateful.