Looking for the Best Pav Bhaji Recipe? Try This Mouthwatering and Easy-to-Follow Guide! If you are craving a delicious, spicy, and buttery Indian street food dish, look no further than Pav Bhaji. Originating from Mumbai, this dish has won hearts across India and beyond. Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner or a party snack, this Pav Bhaji recipe ensures the perfect taste every time.
Pav Bhaji Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Mumbai-Style Pav Bhaji at Home
What is Pav Bhaji?
Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish consisting of a spicy, mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft buttered buns (pav). The bhaji is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, and potatoes, creating a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
Why You Should Try This Pav Bhaji Recipe
- Easy to Make: This is a simple one-pot recipe that even beginners can follow.
- Highly Nutritious: Packed with vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and bell peppers.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Authentic Taste: This recipe brings you the true Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji flavor.
- Kids Love It: A great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
Ingredients for Pav Bhaji Recipe
For the Bhaji (Spicy Mashed Vegetable Curry)
- Potatoes – 3 medium-sized (boiled and mashed)
- Tomatoes – 4 large (finely chopped)
- Green peas – ½ cup (boiled)
- Carrot – 1 (grated or finely chopped)
- Capsicum (Bell Pepper) – 1 small (finely chopped)
- Onions – 2 medium (finely chopped)
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
- Pav Bhaji Masala – 2 tbsp
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
- Salt – As per taste
- Butter – 2 tbsp (Amul butter for authentic flavor)
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Water – 1 cup (adjust as needed)
- Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp
- Fresh Coriander Leaves – For garnish
For the Pav (Soft Bread Rolls)
- Pav (Soft Dinner Rolls or Ladi Pav) – 8 pieces
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Pav Bhaji Masala – ½ tsp (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pav Bhaji
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Boil the potatoes, peas, and carrots until soft. Mash them well and keep them aside.
- Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, and capsicum.
Step 2: Cook the Bhaji
- Heat 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp oil in a pan.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in the chopped capsicum and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Pav Bhaji masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots. Mix well.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes while mashing continuously.
- Add salt and lemon juice, and mix thoroughly.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a small cube of butter for extra flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Pav
- Slice the pav buns into halves.
- Heat butter on a tawa (griddle) and sprinkle pav bhaji masala.
- Toast the pav until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serving Suggestions for Pav Bhaji
- Serve hot bhaji on a plate, topped with a dollop of butter.
- Place buttered pav on the side.
- Garnish with chopped onions, fresh coriander, and a lemon wedge.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of buttermilk or masala chai.
Pro Tips for the Best Pav Bhaji Recipe
✅ Use Amul Butter – This gives Pav Bhaji its authentic street-style taste.
✅ Mash the bhaji well – The smoother the texture, the better it tastes.
✅ Adjust the spice level – Add more or less pav bhaji masala as per preference.
✅ Toast the pav properly – Crispy on the outside, soft inside is the key.
✅ Use fresh ingredients – Fresh tomatoes and homemade ginger-garlic paste enhance the flavor.
Variations of Pav Bhaji
- Jain Pav Bhaji – Skip onions and garlic; use raw bananas instead of potatoes.
- Cheese Pav Bhaji – Top the bhaji with grated cheese for a richer taste.
- Healthy Pav Bhaji – Reduce butter and add more veggies like spinach and beetroot.
- Paneer Pav Bhaji – Add grated paneer for a protein-rich version.
FAQs About Pav Bhaji
1. Can I make Pav Bhaji without Pav Bhaji Masala?
Yes! You can substitute it with a mix of garam masala, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder.
2. What can I serve with Pav Bhaji?
It pairs well with lassi, cold drinks, masala chai, or a side of cucumber salad.
3. Can I make Pav Bhaji in advance?
Yes! Prepare the bhaji in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a little water before serving.
4. Is Pav Bhaji healthy?
When made with less butter and more vegetables, it is a nutritious meal. You can use whole wheat pav for a healthier option.
Final Thoughts: Try This Pav Bhaji Recipe Today!
Now that you have this detailed Pav Bhaji recipe, it’s time to try it at home! Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji will impress everyone.
🔥 Did you love this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below!
For more amazing recipes and expert food tips, Contact Guruji Sunil Chaudhary, Leading Digital Success Coach📧 sunil@justbaazaar.com. 🚀
