Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish in India, especially in Maharashtra. It consists of a spiced and mashed vegetable curry served with buttered pav (soft dinner rolls). A step-by-step guide on how to make Pav Bhaji:
Ingredients:
For Bhaji:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, peas, carrots), finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (capsicum), finely chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 4 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
For Pav:
- Pav (dinner rolls)
- Butter for toasting
Instructions:
1. Prepare Vegetables:
- Finely chop potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
2. Boil Vegetables:
- Boil the mixed vegetables and green peas until they are soft and mashable. Drain any excess water.
3. Mash Vegetables:
- Mash the boiled vegetables using a potato masher or back of a spoon. Leave some texture; it doesn't need to be completely smooth.
4. Prepare Bhaji:
- In a pan, heat oil and butter. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
5. Add Tomatoes:
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
6. Add Spices:
- Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
7. Cook Bhaji:
- Add the mashed vegetables to the spice mixture. Mix thoroughly and cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Adjust Consistency:
- Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed. Bhaji should be thick and not too runny.
9. Add Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the bhaji and mix well.
10. Garnish:
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
For Pav:
1. Toast Pav:
- Slice the pav horizontally. Toast them with butter on a griddle until they become golden brown.
2. Serve:
- Serve the hot and spicy pav bhaji with buttered pav on the side. Garnish with additional butter on top.
3. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Pav Bhaji with more chopped coriander leaves and serve hot. You can also serve it with chopped onions and lemon wedges on the side.
Pav Bhaji is a delightful and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty snack or a complete meal. It's a favorite among people of all ages and is often served at social gatherings and street food stalls.