If you’ve ever strolled through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, you know that Pav Bhaji is more than just food—it’s an experience. This beloved Indian street dish combines a spicy, buttery vegetable mash served with toasted buns for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a festive get-together.
This easy homemade Pav Bhaji recipe gives you that authentic street-style flavor with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pav Bhaji Recipe
Authentic street-style taste: Perfect balance of spice, butter, and tang.
One-pan dish: Everything comes together in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Customizable: Use any vegetables you like.
Comfort food favorite: Rich, flavorful, and family-friendly.
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Ingredients
For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash)
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ½ cup cauliflower florets, boiled
- ½ cup green peas, boiled
- ½ cup carrots, boiled and mashed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons Pav Bhaji masala
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1½ cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
For the Pav (Buns)
- 6 pav (dinner rolls)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon Pav Bhaji masala
How to Make Pav Bhaji
1. Cook the Vegetables
Boil potatoes, peas, carrots, and cauliflower until soft. Drain and mash lightly. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Masala Base
In a large pan, heat butter and oil. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Add Spices
Add Pav Bhaji masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute.
4. Add Vegetables
Add the mashed vegetables and mix thoroughly. Pour in water as needed and mash everything together with a potato masher until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
5. Toast the Pav
Slice the pav horizontally. On a hot tawa or skillet, melt butter, sprinkle Pav Bhaji masala, and toast both sides until golden brown.
6. Serve
Serve hot Bhaji in a bowl, topped with butter and chopped coriander. Place toasted pav on the side with lemon wedges and chopped onions.
Tips for the Perfect Pav Bhaji
- Use generous butter for authentic flavor.
- For deeper color, add a pinch of Kashmiri red chili powder or a drop of beet juice.
- Mash the vegetables well for a smooth texture.
- Use fresh pav—it makes all the difference.
Variations
- Cheese Pav Bhaji: Sprinkle grated cheese on top before serving.
- Jain Pav Bhaji: Skip onions and garlic and use raw bananas instead of potatoes.
- Spicy Pav Bhaji: Add extra chili powder or chopped green chilies.
- Paneer Pav Bhaji: Add crumbled paneer for a protein-packed twist.
FAQs About Pav Bhaji
1. Can I make Pav Bhaji without Pav Bhaji masala?
You can substitute with a mix of garam masala, red chili powder, and coriander powder, but the authentic flavor comes from the masala blend.
2. Which vegetables are best for Pav Bhaji?
Potatoes, peas, cauliflower, and carrots are classic choices, but you can also add beans or beetroot.
3. Can I make Pav Bhaji ahead of time?
Yes. The bhaji can be made up to a day in advance and reheated with a little butter or water before serving.
4. How do I make Pav Bhaji healthier?
Use less butter and more vegetables. You can also serve it with whole wheat pav.
5. What to serve with Pav Bhaji?
It’s traditionally served with buttered pav, chopped onions, lemon wedges, and sometimes a side of cucumber or salad.
Final Thoughts
This Pav Bhaji recipe captures the true essence of Mumbai’s street food—bold, buttery, and bursting with flavor. It’s hearty enough for a main course and crowd-pleasing enough for any festive occasion. Pair it with toasted pav, a squeeze of lemon, and extra butter on top for the most satisfying experience.