Nothing captures the essence of Mumbai’s vibrant street food scene like Pav Bhaji. A spicy medley of mashed vegetables served with butter-toasted pav (bread rolls), this dish is a favorite across India. Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of Juhu Chowpatty at home or searching for the ultimate comfort food, this street-style Pav Bhaji recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
In this article
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic street-style taste
- Easy-to-find ingredients
- Quick and beginner-friendly
- Perfect for family dinners or weekend indulgence
Ingredients for Pav Bhaji
Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy and buttery Mumbai-style bhaji:
For the Bhaji:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped capsicum
- ½ cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- ¼ cup boiled green peas
- ¼ cup boiled and mashed cauliflower
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tsp pav bhaji masala
- Salt to taste
- ½ lemon (juice)
- Fresh coriander (chopped)
- Water as needed
For the Pav:
- 4 pav buns
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp pav bhaji masala (optional)
- Fresh coriander or grated cheese (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat butter and oil in a large pan. Add chopped onions and sauté till translucent. Add ginger garlic paste and cook till the raw smell disappears.
2. Cook the Tomatoes & Capsicum
Add tomatoes and capsicum. Cook until tomatoes turn soft and oil starts to separate.
3. Mash and Mix the Vegetables
Add the mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas. Mix well. Use a masher or back of a ladle to keep mashing as it cooks.
4. Spice it Up
Add turmeric, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala. Mix everything thoroughly. Adjust salt to taste.
5. Simmer and Adjust Consistency
Add water to get the desired consistency. Let it simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes. Add lemon juice and chopped coriander before turning off the heat.
6. Toast the Pav
Heat butter on a flat pan. Slice the pav buns and toast them with butter and a pinch of pav bhaji masala until golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot bhaji topped with a dollop of butter, accompanied by buttered pav, chopped onions, lemon wedges, and coriander. For a twist, add grated cheese or a dash of kasuri methi for extra aroma.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji
- Use fresh butter for the authentic street-style richness.
- Mash vegetables well for that creamy texture.
- Don’t skip pav bhaji masala—it’s the heart of the dish.
- Add a spoon of butter on top while serving for extra indulgence!
FAQs
Q. Can I use store-bought pav bhaji masala?
Yes! Brands like Everest, MDH, or homemade blends work perfectly.
Q. Can I make pav bhaji vegan?
Absolutely. Just replace butter with vegan butter or oil.
Q. Can I freeze bhaji?
Yes. Store the cooked bhaji in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat with a splash of water before serving.
Bringing the streets of Mumbai to your plate has never been easier. This homemade Pav Bhaji recipe is quick, comforting, and full of bold flavors. Try it today and enjoy the buttery, spicy goodness with friends and family!