Pav Bhaji Recipe: Mumbai Street Style

Introduction

Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish that originated in the bustling city of Mumbai. It is a delicious and flavorful combination of a spiced vegetable curry served with a soft and buttery bread roll called “pav.” This mouthwatering dish has gained popularity not only in India but also worldwide. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide to prepare the authentic Mumbai street-style Pav Bhaji recipe.

1. What is Pav Bhaji?

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish in India, especially in Mumbai. It consists of a rich and spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) made with a medley of vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, peas, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The curry is typically flavored with a blend of aromatic spices and served with buttery pav bread rolls.

2. Ingredients Required

To prepare the Mumbai street-style Pav Bhaji, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas, boiled
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 capsicum, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
• 8 pav bread rolls
• Lemon wedges for serving

3. Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these steps to prepare the Mumbai street-style Pav Bhaji:

Step 1: Heat butter in a large pan or kadhai. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Fry (Sauté) for a minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add chopped onions and fry until they turn translucent. Then, add the chopped capsicum and cook for a few minutes until they become tender.

Step 3: Add the finely cut tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and mushy.

Step 4: Add Pav Bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir to mix well and cook for a minute.

Step 5: Add the boiled and mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas to the pan. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Mash the vegetables using a masher or back of a spoon. Continue mashing and stirring until the vegetables blend together and form a thick curry consistency.

Step 7: Cook the Bhaji for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add water to adjust the consistency if needed.

Step 8: Once the Bhaji is cooked, turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 9: For the pav bread rolls, slit them horizontally without cutting them into two halves completely. Spread some butter on the inner sides and toast them on a tawa or griddle until golden brown.

4. Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji

To make your Pav Bhaji even more delicious, here are some helpful tips:

• Use a mix of vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and bell peppers to enhance the flavors and textures.
• Amount of spices can be varied as per your taste buds. You can add more or less chili powder and Pav Bhaji masala.
• Serve the Pav Bhaji hot with a dollop of butter on top for an authentic taste.
• Garnish with freshly chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.

5. Serving Suggestions

Pav Bhaji is best enjoyed with some additional accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve the hot and flavorful Pav Bhaji with buttered and toasted pav bread rolls.
• Garnish the Bhaji with a generous amount of chopped onions and coriander leaves.
• Serve a side of lemon wedges for people to add a tangy kick to their Pav Bhaji.

6. Health Benefits of Pav Bhaji

While Pav Bhaji is undoubtedly a tasty treat, it also offers some health benefits:

• The dish is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
• The use of spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric in the recipe adds medicinal properties and aids digestion.
• Consuming Pav Bhaji in moderation can be a part of a balanced diet.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can frozen vegetables be used for Pav Bhaji?
A: Yes, frozen vegetables may be used in preparing the dish if fresh ones are not available but fresh vegetables give better flavor and texture to the dish.

Q2: Can I make Pav Bhaji without butter?
A: Butter is an essential ingredient that adds richness and flavor to the dish. However, if you prefer a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of butter used or use a healthier alternative.

Q3: How can I give it taste of more chily?
A: You can add more chili powder or green chilies or other pepper you like for a spicier Pav Bhaji.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover Pav Bhaji?
A: While as per Indian age old wisdom, it’s never proper to consume food which is more than few hours old (like cooked before 4-7 hours) but if it’s an absolute necessity then yes, you can freeze leftover Pav Bhaji. Allow it to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Q5: Can I use any type of bread instead of pav?
A: Pav bread rolls are traditionally used for Pav Bhaji as they are soft and buttery. However, you can use any bread of your choice if pav is not available.

8. Conclusion

Pav Bhaji is an iconic street food dish that captures the essence of Mumbai’s vibrant food culture. With its aromatic spices and flavorsome vegetables, it has become a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. By following this recipe, you can recreate the authentic Mumbai street-style Pav Bhaji in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather the ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this delightful culinary experience!

External Resources – Video

Here is a YouTube video which might help you in preparing your Pav Bhaji Recipe. Please turn on captions for English subtitles.

You can also watch directly on YouTube by clicking here.

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