Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a beloved Indian street food known for its delectable taste and versatility. This dish consists of a spicy vegetable curry, known as "bhaji," served with soft buttered buns, called "pav." It's a flavorful and satisfying dish that's popular across India.
Ingredients
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):
- 2 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
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 - inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
- 1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tbsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2-3 tbsp butter
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Pav (Buns):
- 6-8 pav buns
- 2-3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Start by boiling the potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas until they are soft and mashable. Once done, drain and mash them coarsely, and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add Onions and Bell Peppers: Add the finely chopped onions and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
- Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become mushy and the oil starts to separate.
- Mash the Veggies: Now, add the mashed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas). Stir well and mash them in the pan. You can add some water to achieve your desired consistency, as pav bhaji can be thick or semi-liquid, depending on your preference.
- Simmer and Garnish: Let the bhaji simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add garam masala and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finish by stirring in 2-3 tablespoons of butter and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Prepare the Pav: Slice the pav buns horizontally, without cutting them all the way through. Heat a pan and add a little butter. Toast the buns until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Hot: Serve the hot bhaji with the buttered pav buns, lemon wedges, and extra butter on the side. Don't forget to garnish with some fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- Pav Bhaji is traditionally served with finely chopped onions and lemon wedges. Enjoy it as a snack or a meal, and relish the spicy, tangy, and buttery goodness of this beloved street food.