ByNamaste, food enthusiasts! I’m Anjali, the co-founder of Recipes by Anjali, and I’m thrilled to share with you my take on the delectable Bhaji Pav recipe.
As a passionate food lover and avid cook, I have always been fascinated by the vibrant flavors and cultural diversity that Indian cuisine has to offer.
Through my culinary journey, I have discovered and perfected recipes that are loved by many.
Introduction to Bhaji Pav
Bhaji Pav is a traditional Maharashtrian street food dish that consists of a flavorful and spicy vegetable curry called “Bhaji” served with soft and buttered rolls called “Pav.”
The Bhaji is typically made with a medley of vegetables, such as potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and capsicum, cooked in aromatic spices.
It is a popular snack that offers a burst of flavor and is often enjoyed during breakfast, lunch, or as an evening snack.
Table of Contents
Bhaji Pav Recipe: A Delectable Street Food Delight
Equipment
- 1 Khunti or Long Spatula
- 1 Large skillet or non-stick frying pan
- 1 Pressure Cooker
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Tawa
Ingredients
- 4 medium Potatoes
- 1 cup Cauliflower Florets
- 1/2 cup Green Peas
- 1 small Capsicum (bell pepper)
- 2 medium Onions
- 2 Tomatoes
- 3 Green Chilies
- 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 tbsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Butter for toasting
- 8 pav buns
Instructions
- Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the Bhaji to enhance its flavors.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies accordingly.
- Toast the Pav with butter for a rich and indulgent taste.
- Serve the Bhaji Pav immediately after preparation to enjoy it at its best.
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Notes
Tips for a Perfect Bhaji Pav
To ensure your Bhaji Pav turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:- Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the Bhaji to enhance its flavors.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies accordingly.
- Toast the Pav with butter for a rich and indulgent taste.
- Serve the Bhaji Pav immediately after preparation to enjoy it at its best.
Ingredients Required to Make the Bhaji Pav Recipe
To prepare a delicious Bhaji Pav, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- ½ cup green peas
- 1 small capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 8 pav buns
- Butter for toasting
Preparing the Bhaji
Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of preparing the flavorful Bhaji:
Step 1: Boil the potatoes in a pressure cooker until they are tender. Once cooled, peel and roughly mash them.
Step 2: Heat oil in a pan or kadhai. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them crackle.
Step 3: Add asafoetida, curry leaves, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute.
Step 4: Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
Step 5: Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Step 6: Now, add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Step 7: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 8: Add the mashed potatoes, cauliflower florets, green peas, and chopped capsicum to the pan. Mix everything together.
Step 9: Add a little water to adjust the consistency of the Bhaji. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.
Step 10: Garnish the Bhaji with fresh coriander leaves.
Making the Pav
To complement the flavorful Bhaji, we need to prepare the soft and buttery Pav:
Step 1: Take the pav buns and slit them horizontally, keeping one end intact.
Step 2: Apply butter on the inner sides of the buns.
Step 3: Heat a flat pan or tawa. Toast the buns on both sides until they turn golden brown.
Step 4: Once toasted, the Pav is ready to be served with the Bhaji.
Serving and Enjoying the Delicious Bhaji Pav
To serve the Bhaji Pav:
Step 1: Place a generous portion of the Bhaji in a serving dish.
Step 2: Serve it alongside the buttered and toasted Pav buns.
Step 3: Optionally, you can also garnish the Bhaji with chopped onions, lemon wedges, and additional coriander leaves.
Now, it’s time to relish the flavorsome Bhaji Pav. Take a bite of the buttery Pav dipped in the aromatic Bhaji, and let the explosion of flavors delight your taste buds.
Variations of Bhaji Pav Recipe
While the traditional Bhaji Pav recipe is delightful on its own, you can experiment with various flavors and ingredients to create your own unique versions. Here are a few popular variations:
- Cheese Bhaji Pav: Add grated cheese to the Bhaji for a cheesy twist.
- Paneer Bhaji Pav: Replace the vegetables with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a creamy and rich Bhaji.
- Jain Bhaji Pav: Skip the onions and garlic in the recipe to make it suitable for those following a Jain diet.
Feel free to unleash your creativity and try out different combinations to cater to your taste preferences.
Tips for a Perfect Bhaji Pav
To ensure your Bhaji Pav turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the Bhaji to enhance its flavors.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies accordingly.
- Toast the Pav with butter for a rich and indulgent taste.
- Serve the Bhaji Pav immediately after preparation to enjoy it at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use any other vegetables in the Bhaji?
A1: Yes, you can experiment with different vegetables like carrots, beans, or even beetroot to add more variety to your Bhaji.
Q2: Is Bhaji Pav a vegetarian dish?
A2: Yes, Bhaji Pav is a vegetarian dish that is loved by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Q3: Can I make Bhaji Pav spicy?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer spicier food, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add a dash of extra green chilies.
Q4: Is Bhaji Pav a healthy snack?
A4: Bhaji Pav is a delicious treat, but it is a bit indulgent due to the butter and spices used. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Q5: Can I make Bhaji Pav in advance?
A5: While the Bhaji is best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when needed. However, the Pav is best toasted just before serving.
Q6: Can I freeze the leftover Bhaji for later use?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the leftover Bhaji in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Thaw it before reheating.
Q7: Can I use store-bought Pav buns?
A7: Yes, you can use store-bought Pav buns if you don’t have the time to make them from scratch.
Q8: Can I add other spices to enhance the flavor?
A8: Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like garam masala or pav bhaji masala for an extra kick of flavor.
Q9: Is Bhaji Pav a popular street food in India?
A9: Yes, Bhaji Pav is a beloved street food snack, especially in Maharashtra and Mumbai.
Q10: Can I make Bhaji Pav without onions and garlic?
A10: Yes, you can skip onions and garlic to make a no-onion no-garlic version of Bhaji Pav.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed exploring the tantalizing world of Bhaji Pav through this article. With its rich flavors and simplicity, Bhaji Pav has become an all-time favorite for street food enthusiasts and home cooks alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful snack, Bhaji Pav is sure to leave you craving for more.
Remember to unleash your creativity and experiment with different variations of Bhaji Pav to suit your taste preferences. And don’t forget to join me at Recipes by Anjali, where I share more delicious recipes and culinary adventures.
So, go ahead, gather the ingredients, and let the aroma of spices fill your kitchen as you create your own mouthwatering Bhaji Pav. Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that will transport you to the streets of Mumbai. Happy cooking!
Try out our Butter Paneer Masala Recipe.
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