Mumbai Style Pav Bhaji Recipe – Spicy Vegetable Mash Served with Buttered Buns
Pav Bhaji is one of India’s most iconic street foods,
originally from Mumbai. This dish combines a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable
curry (bhaji) with soft buns (pav), toasted generously in butter. Loved by
people of all ages, pav bhaji is a deliciously satisfying meal, perfect for
lunch, dinner, or even a heavy snack.
Let’s dive into how to prepare this flavorful dish at home
with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients:
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):
- 2
large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1
cup cauliflower florets (boiled and mashed)
- ½
cup green peas
- 1
green capsicum (finely chopped)
- 2
tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1
large onion (finely chopped)
- 1
tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2–3
tbsp butter
- 1–2
tsp pav bhaji masala
- ½
tsp turmeric powder
- ½
tsp red chili powder
- Salt
to taste
- Fresh
coriander leaves for garnish
- ½
lemon (for squeezing)
For the Pav (Bread Rolls):
- 4
pav buns
- 2
tbsp butter
- Pinch
of pav bhaji masala (optional)
👨🍳 How to Make
Pav Bhaji at Home
🔸 Step 1: Prepare the
Bhaji
Heat butter in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté till
golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell fades.
Now add tomatoes, capsicum, peas, and the mashed vegetables. Mix well and cook
for 5–7 minutes.
Sprinkle pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Mash
everything together using a potato masher until smooth and thick.
Add water as needed to get your desired consistency. Simmer on low heat,
letting the flavors blend.
🔸 Step 2: Toast the Pav
Slice the pav buns horizontally. Heat butter on a tawa or
flat pan. Place the buns and toast until golden. Optionally sprinkle pav bhaji
masala for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the hot bhaji on a plate, topped with a cube of butter
and fresh coriander. Squeeze lemon juice on top for tanginess. Place toasted
pav beside it with onion rings and lemon wedges.
Why Everyone Loves Pav
Bhaji:
- Quick
and wholesome one-pot meal
- Loaded
with veggies and flavor
- Great
for family dinners or street-food-style parties
- Easily
customizable to taste
- Super
comforting and filling