Pav Bhaji is a renowned and cherished street food in India that has left an indelible mark worldwide.
It's a delectable and flavorsome dish concocted from a variety of vegetables, mashed and cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy, served with buttered and toasted pav (soft bread rolls). This dish offers an impeccable amalgamation of flavors and textures, rendering it a beloved favorite among individuals of all age groups. In this article, we shall guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this scrumptious Pav Bhaji in the cozy confines of your own kitchen.
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Ingredients
For the Bhaji:
3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 cup cauliflower florets, boiled and mashed
1/2 cup green peas, boiled and mashed
1/2 cup carrots, boiled and mashed
1/2 cup bell peppers (capsicum), finely chopped
1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
For the Pav:
6-8 pav (soft bread rolls)
Butter for toasting
Instructions
Preparing the Bhaji:
Heat oil and butter in a spacious pan or kadai over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. Then, introduce minced garlic and sauté until it emanates a delightful aroma.
Incorporate finely chopped onions and continue cooking until they attain a translucent hue.
Next, add the finely chopped bell peppers and sauté for a few minutes until they soften slightly.
Infuse the pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix meticulously and sauté for a minute until the spices release their fragrance.
Introduce the mashed potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and carrots to the pan. Stir vigorously to meld all the vegetables with the spices.
Employ a masher or the back of a ladle to gently mash the vegetables. Continue mashing until a smooth consistency is achieved. If the mixture appears overly dry, a touch of water may be added.
Allow the bhaji to simmer on low heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, with intermittent stirring. This allows the flavors to harmoniously blend.
Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, incorporating more salt or spice to suit your preferences.
Preparing the Pav:
Slice the pav horizontally, ensuring that they remain connected on one side.
Heat a griddle or tava and apply a small amount of butter to it.
Position the sliced pav on the griddle with the buttered side facing downward. Toast until they attain a golden-brown hue with a slight crispiness.
Flip the pav and toast the other side similarly. Ensure uniform buttering and toasting.
Serving the Pav Bhaji:
Serve the piping-hot and flavorsome bhaji on a plate, garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Accompany it with the toasted pav, a lemon wedge, and finely chopped onions on the side.
Optionally, for added richness, a dollop of butter can be placed atop the bhaji.
Conclusion
Preparing Pav Bhaji at home not only promises deliciousness but also grants you control over the quality of ingredients and the ability to customize the spiciness to your liking. This straightforward recipe ensures that you can relish this iconic Indian street food in the cozy embrace of your home. Whether you're preparing it for a swift weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Pav Bhaji is certain to tantalize your taste buds, leaving you yearning for more. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to savor the delightful flavors of homemade Pav Bhaji!