Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe
So, let me tell you about this comfort food dream that brings a burst of flavor with every bite: my go-to homemade Pav Bhaji! Picture this—a savory, spicy medley of veggies loaded with aromatic spices, all mopped up with buttery toasted buns. It’s an irresistible, zesty street food dish straight from my kitchen to yours, ready for a comforting culinary adventure!
I love making Pav Bhaji Masala for its vibrant flavors and comforting qualities. My recipe features a delightful blend of boiled and mashed potatoes, green peas, cauliflower, capsicum, and tomatoes.
The aromatic spices like ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala create a rich, savory dish. I like to serve it with toasted pav buns, topped with butter and chopped cilantro, adding a burst of freshness and zest with lemon wedges.
It’s a hearty, nutritious meal that balances vegetables and spices perfectly.
Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe Ingredients
- Potatoes: Great source of carbohydrates and potassium; adds creamy texture.
- Green Peas: Rich in fiber and protein; provides sweet notes and vibrant color.
- Cauliflower: Low-calorie, full of vitamins; adds texture and mild flavor.
- Capsicum: High in vitamin C and antioxidants; adds crunch and color.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene and vitamin C; adds tanginess and sweetness.
- Onions: Packed with flavor and antioxidants; adds sweetness and depth.
- Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture; source of fat.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: Aromatic and flavorful; boosts immune system.
- Pav Bhaji Masala: Blend of spices; adds signature flavor and aroma.
- Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic; enhances flavor and presentation.
Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup green peas, boiled
- 1/2 cup cauliflower, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup capsicum, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Pav buns
How to Make this Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat, add the cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
2. Add the onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
5. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala, mixing well.
6. Add the cauliflower and capsicum, cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
7. Add the boiled potatoes, green peas, and salt. Use a potato masher to blend them into the mixture.
8. Add butter and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
10. Toast the pav buns with a little butter on a griddle and serve hot with the bhaji.
Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pan
2. Griddle or skillet
3. Cooking spoon or spatula
4. Potato masher
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Small bowl (for mixing spices)
9. Serving plate or dish
FAQ
- Q: Can I use other vegetables in Pav Bhaji?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. - Q: Can Pav Bhaji be stored for later?
A: Absolutely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving. - Q: How can I make Pav Bhaji less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of red chili powder and ensure the pav bhaji masala used is mild. - Q: What can I use if I don’t have pav bhaji masala?
A: You can make a quick mix using equal parts garam masala and additional spice blend to suit your taste. - Q: Can I make a vegan version of Pav Bhaji?
A: Yes, simply substitute the butter with vegan butter or oil. - Q: What is the best way to serve Pav Bhaji?
A: Serve hot with toasted pav buns, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges on the side.
Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- For 1 cup potatoes, boiled and mashed: Substitute with 1 cup of sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- For 1/2 cup green peas, boiled: Use edamame or finely chopped green beans for a different texture and taste.
- For 1/2 cup cauliflower, finely chopped: Broccoli can be used as an alternative to add a different but still savory element.
- For 2 tablespoons butter: Use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative for a different richness.
- For 2 teaspoons red chili powder: Substitute with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor, or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Pro Tips
1. Spice Infusion: For an enhanced flavor, roast the pav bhaji masala in a dry pan for a minute before adding it to the dish. This will help release the spices’ aroma and deepen the flavor.
2. Butter Finish: Add a dollop of butter to the bhaji just before serving. This adds a rich, creamy finish and enhances the taste of the dish.
3. Texture Variation: Slightly mash the tomatoes before cooking them. This will help them incorporate better into the mixture and add a smoother texture to the bhaji.
4. Consistent Texture: Use a hand blender to achieve a smooth consistency in the bhaji. This ensures all the vegetables are well blended and the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Citrus Boost: Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the bhaji just before serving to add a zesty freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.
Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe
My favorite Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pan
2. Griddle or skillet
3. Cooking spoon or spatula
4. Potato masher
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Small bowl (for mixing spices)
9. Serving plate or dish
Ingredients:
- 1 cup potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup green peas, boiled
- 1/2 cup cauliflower, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup capsicum, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Pav buns
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat, add the cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
2. Add the onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
5. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala, mixing well.
6. Add the cauliflower and capsicum, cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
7. Add the boiled potatoes, green peas, and salt. Use a potato masher to blend them into the mixture.
8. Add butter and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
10. Toast the pav buns with a little butter on a griddle and serve hot with the bhaji.
