Pav Bhaji Recipe: If you have ever walked through the streets of Mumbai style pav bhaji recipe, you already know how delicious the smell of pav bhaji is. It is buttery, spicy, and loaded with mashed vegetables that are scooped up with toasted, soft buns (the pav bhaji). Whether you’re craving a quick snack or planning a comforting dinner, this dish always hits the spot. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Mumbai-style PAV BHAJI right in your kitchen—just like the street food vendors make it.
What Is Pav Bhaji Recipe (Origin & Street-Food Story)
Now, to give you a brief history, pav bhaji was originally a quick lunch for Mumbai textile mill workers.
They needed something quick, inexpensive, and satisfying, and presto , pav bhaji was created.
Bhaji is a spicy mashed vegetable curry, and pav, which is derived from the Portuguese word pão, means bread.
It is now one of the most popular street foods in India and can be found in both upscale dining establishments and roadside carts.
Ingredients for the pav Bhaji Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ` Potatoes | 3–4 medium | Boiled and mashed |
| Cauliflower | 1 cup | Chopped small |
| Green peas | ½ cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Capsicum | 1 | Finely chopped |
| Tomato | 3 large | Pureed or finely chopped |
| Onion | 2 | Finely chopped |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 tbsp | Adds amazing aroma |
| Pav bhaji masala | 2 tbsp | The hero spice blend! |
| Red chilli powder | 1 tsp | Adjust to your spice level |
| Butter | 2–3 tbsp | For that rich, street-style flavour |
| Lemon | 1 | For squeezing on top |
| Pav buns | 8 | Any soft dinner rolls will work |
| Salt | As needed | Taste and adjust |
Step-by-Step Pav Bhaji Recipe Method(with 3 Step)
Step1.First, prepare the vegetables.
Bring the cauliflower, capsicum, peas, and potato to a boil until they are tender.
Mash them just enough so they mix well later, but not so much that they are completely smooth
Step2.Create the Masala Base
Heat some butter in a large pan
Add chopped onions and cook until golden.
You’ll smell the magic as soon as you add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
Add salt, pav bhaji masala, chopped tomatoes, and red chilli powder now.
You can tell when the masala is done when it leaves oil on the sides.
Step 3. Combine the vegetables
Stir thoroughly after adding your boiled vegetables to the masala.
Use a masher to mash everything.
To achieve a nice, thick-but-spreadable consistency, add a little water.
Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
How to Toast the Pav (Bread) Perfectly
This component is crucial
Cut the pav buns in half.
Melt the butter on a tawa (flat pan) and add the pav bhaji masala.
Toast the buns until they are golden brown.
They ought to savor that delicious butter!
Tips for the Best Bhaji Recipe Consistency & Flavor
| Do’s ✅ | Don’ts ❌ |
|---|---|
| 1. Use lots of butter | Don’t skip pav bhaji masala |
| 2. Mash while cooking for smooth texture | Don’t add too much water |
| 3. Add lemon juice before serving | Don’t burn the masala |
| 4. Garnish with butter + coriander | Avoid overcooking veggies |
Healthy & Tasty Variations of Pav Bhaji
Cheese Pav Bhaji: Top with grated cheese, which melts flawlessly!
Jain Pav Bhaji: Use raw banana instead of potato and omit the onion and garlic.
Paneer Pav Bhaji: For protein, add tiny paneer cubes.
Kolhapuri Pav Bhaji: To add a spicy kick, add extra red chilli and garam masala.
Vegan Pav Bhaji: Use vegan buns and oil rather than butter.
Nutritional Information & Serving Suggestion for pav bhaji
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate (bhaji + 2 pav) | ~400 | 10 g | 15 g | 55 g |
Serve it hot with:
Chopped onions
wedge of lemon
Topped with butter (naturally)
A refreshing glass of lassi or soda to go with it
