Pav Bhaji Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered the bustling streets of Mumbai or any vibrant city in India, chances are you’ve been tempted by the irresistible aroma of pav bhaji wafting from the street food stalls. This iconic dish is the epitome of comfort food—rich, spicy, and utterly satisfying.

Imagine a warm, buttery bun dipped into a thick, flavorful vegetable curry that’s been lovingly mashed and simmered to perfection. That’s pav bhaji for you, a true crowd-pleaser that brings people together.

What’s fascinating about pav bhaji is its humble origins. It started as a quick meal for textile mill workers in Mumbai, designed to be filling and affordable. Over time, it evolved into a beloved dish enjoyed by everyone, from busy office workers to families gathering on weekends. The magic lies in its blend of mashed vegetables cooked with a unique spice mix that gives it that signature taste you just can’t get enough of.

The best part? Pav bhaji is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. You can tweak the spice levels, add your favorite veggies, or make it as rich and buttery as you like. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a variety of vegetables without anyone noticing! So, if you’re ready to bring a slice of Mumbai’s street food charm right into your home, let’s dive into this delicious pav bhaji recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Burst of Flavors: Pav bhaji is a perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and buttery flavors that awaken your taste buds with every bite.
• Nutritious and Veggie-Packed: Made with a mix of mashed vegetables like potatoes, peas, tomatoes, and bell peppers, it’s a delicious way to get your daily veggies.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just one pot to cook the bhaji and some toasting for the pav, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hassle-free meal.
• Comfort Food Classic: Warm, hearty, and satisfying, pav bhaji is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate.
• Great for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or feeding a hungry family, pav bhaji serves well for a crowd and brings everyone to the table.

Ingredient List

For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry)

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 cup water (adjust as needed)

For the Pav (Bread)

• 8 pav buns (soft dinner rolls or burger buns)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• A pinch of pav bhaji masala (optional, for extra flavor while toasting)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use fresh vegetables for the bhaji—it makes the flavor fresher and the texture perfect.
• Don’t skip the pav bhaji masala! It’s the secret behind that authentic street-food taste.
• Butter is key here—use real butter, not margarine, for the richest flavor.
• For the pav, using soft, fresh buns is important. If you can find Mumbai-style pav, that’s ideal, but regular dinner rolls work great too.
• Adjust the chili powder and green chilies based on your spice tolerance—it can be made mild or fiery!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet or wok (kadhai): For cooking and mashing the bhaji, I prefer a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat.
• Pot or pressure cooker: To boil the vegetables quickly before mashing.
• Potato masher: Essential for mashing the veggies into a smooth, thick curry.
• Spatula: For stirring and mixing the bhaji while cooking.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop all the vegetables finely.
• Serving plates or bowls: To serve the bhaji and pav together.
• Small pan or griddle (tawa): For toasting the pav buns with butter.
• Ladle: To scoop and serve the bhaji easily.

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Vegetables

• Add chopped potatoes, cauliflower florets, and green peas to a large pot.
• Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables and add a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil and cook until the vegetables are soft and easily pierced with a fork (about 10-12 minutes).
• Drain the vegetables and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the veggies—they should be soft but not mushy, so the bhaji has a nice texture.

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Step 2: Prepare the Bhaji Base

• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large deep skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and start to brown slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Spices

• Add the chopped green bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a thick base (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.

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Step 4: Mash and Simmer the Bhaji

• Add the boiled vegetables to the skillet.
• Using a potato masher, mash everything together until well combined but still slightly chunky.
• Pour in about 1 cup of water to loosen the mixture to your preferred consistency.
• Let the bhaji simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Mash the vegetables directly in the skillet for the best flavor blend. Use a sturdy masher to get that perfect texture.

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Step 5: Final Touches

• Stir in lemon juice and chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
• Keep the bhaji warm on low heat until ready to serve.

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Step 6: Toast the Pav

• Slice the pav buns horizontally, but keep them intact.
• Heat a small pan or griddle and melt butter over medium heat.
• Place the pav buns on the pan, cut side down, and toast until golden and slightly crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
• Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala on the butter while toasting for extra flavor.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl with a generous knob of butter on top.
• Arrange the toasted pav buns on the side.
• Garnish with extra coriander and serve with lemon wedges and finely chopped onions if you like.

Dig in by dipping the soft pav into the rich, spicy bhaji—pure street food bliss!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use fresh, firm vegetables to get the best texture and flavor in your bhaji.
• Don’t rush the sautéing of onions and tomatoes—they build the dish’s flavor foundation.
• Mash the vegetables while they’re still hot for easier blending and better taste.
• Adjust water quantity gradually to get your preferred consistency—some like it thicker, some more gravy-like.
• Toast the pav buns just before serving so they stay crisp and buttery.
• Add a dollop of butter on top of the bhaji just before serving for extra richness.
• Serve with chopped onions and lemon wedges for that authentic street-style experience.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap cauliflower with carrots or beans if you prefer a different veggie mix.
• Use frozen mixed vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available—it works well in a pinch.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with oil or vegan margarine.
• Substitute pav buns with regular dinner rolls, hamburger buns, or even bread slices toasted with butter.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red chili powder and green chilies according to your taste.
• Add a splash of cream or cheese on top for a richer, creamier twist.
• Use homemade pav bhaji masala or store-bought blends depending on convenience and taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve pav bhaji hot with a generous dollop of butter on top and extra chopped onions and lemon wedges on the side for that authentic street food feel.
• I love pairing pav bhaji with a chilled glass of sweet lassi or buttermilk to balance the spices perfectly.
• For a fun twist, serve with crispy papad or roasted peanuts sprinkled on top for added crunch.
• Make it a meal by adding a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and salt on the side.
• Toast some garlic bread or serve with a fresh green salad to lighten up the richness of the bhaji.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftover bhaji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat bhaji on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the consistency if needed.
• You can also microwave bhaji in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring halfway through reheating.
• Toast pav buns fresh before serving; avoid storing them toasted to keep them soft.
• If needed, reheat pav buns wrapped in foil in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is pav bhaji?

Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food consisting of a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft, toasted bread rolls called pav. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Can I make pav bhaji without pav bhaji masala?

Yes! You can use a mix of common spices like coriander powder, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder if you don’t have pav bhaji masala. But the ready-made masala really gives it that authentic taste.

How spicy is pav bhaji?

The spice level can be easily adjusted to your liking. Start with less chili powder and green chilies, then add more if you want it hotter. It’s very customizable!

Can I make pav bhaji vegan?

Absolutely! Just replace the butter with oil or vegan butter, and you’re good to go. The flavors will still be delicious and comforting.

How do I store leftover pav bhaji?

Store the bhaji in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a little water to loosen it up. Toast the pav fresh before serving.

Is pav bhaji healthy?

Pav bhaji can be quite nutritious since it’s loaded with vegetables. Just watch the butter quantity if you want to keep it lighter. It’s a balanced, veggie-rich comfort meal!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!