Pav Bhaji is one of India's most popular street foods, especially famous in Mumbai. This delicious vegetarian dish consists of a flavorful, buttery mashed vegetable curry called bhaji, served with soft pav bread toasted in butter.
This homemade Pav Bhaji recipe is prepared with potatoes, carrots, green peas, tomatoes, onions, and aromatic Indian spices. It is a delicious option for lunch, dinner, or an evening snack.
Ingredients
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry)
Oil – as required
Onion – 1 cup, finely chopped
Tomato – ½ cup, chopped
Green peas – ½ cup, boiled
Carrot – 1, boiled
Potato – 1, boiled
Ginger-garlic paste – ½ teaspoon
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon
Coriander powder – ½ teaspoon
Pav bhaji masala – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Butter – from the total 2 teaspoons
Fresh coriander leaves – ½ bunch, chopped
Water – as required
Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
For the Butter-Toasted Pav
Pav bread – 2 pieces
Butter – from the total 2 teaspoons
How to Make Mumbai Street Style Pav Bhaji
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Boil the potato, carrot, and green peas until soft.
Peel the boiled potato and cut it into pieces. Chop the carrot into small pieces.
Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves. Keep everything ready before cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and a little salt.
Sauté until the onions soften and turn lightly golden.
Step 3: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Spices
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté briefly until the raw aroma disappears.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder.
Stir well, then add the chopped tomatoes.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to soften.
Step 4: Add the Boiled Vegetables
Add the boiled green peas and carrot to the pan.
Pour in a little water and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the boiled potato pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes, mixing everything well.
Step 5: Mash the Bhaji
Using a potato masher, mash the vegetables directly in the pan until they form a thick, slightly smooth mixture.
Add pav bhaji masala and mix thoroughly.
If the bhaji is too thick, add a little water to adjust its consistency.
Let the mixture simmer briefly so the spices blend with the vegetables.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Coriander
Add butter and freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Mix well and turn off the heat.
Your homemade vegetable bhaji is ready!
Step 7: Toast the Pav Bread
Heat a tawa or flat pan over medium heat.
Add a little butter and place the pav bread on the tawa.
Toast the pav on both sides until lightly golden and buttery.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Transfer the hot bhaji to a serving plate.
Drizzle lemon juice over the bhaji just before serving.
Serve with warm, butter-toasted pav bread.
Enjoy your homemade Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji!
Tips for Delicious Pav Bhaji
Boil vegetables until soft: This makes them easier to mash and creates a smoother bhaji.
Mash thoroughly: A well-mashed vegetable mixture gives Pav Bhaji its familiar texture.
Use pav bhaji masala: This spice blend gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
Adjust the consistency: Add water gradually to keep the bhaji thick but scoopable.
Add butter toward the end: This gives the bhaji a richer taste.
Serve immediately: Pav Bhaji tastes best when the bhaji is hot and the pav is freshly toasted.
What to Serve with Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji tastes delicious with butter-toasted pav, chopped onions, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander leaves.
It makes a satisfying vegetarian meal for family dinners, weekend lunches, or evening snacks.
Happy Cooking! ❤️
VivahaBhojaNambhu

