Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)

Introduction

Pav Bhaji is one of India’s most iconic and beloved street foods, originating from Mumbai. This flavorful dish consists of a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft bread rolls (pav) toasted in butter. Known for its rich taste, vibrant color, and irresistible aroma, Pav Bhaji is a favorite for lunch, dinner, or evening snacks.

What makes Pav Bhaji special is its perfect balance of vegetables and spices blended together into a smooth, delicious curry. Topped with a generous dollop of butter and served with crispy, golden pav, this dish is pure comfort food. The best part? You can easily recreate authentic Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji at home.

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.

Pav Bhaji Recipe

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry)

2 medium potatoes (boiled)
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 cup cauliflower (finely chopped)
1/2 cup carrots (finely chopped)
1 capsicum (finely chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped or pureed)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 green chilies (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
1–2 cups water (as needed)

For Toasting the Pav

8 pav (Indian bread rolls)
2–3 tablespoons butter
A pinch of pav bhaji masala (optional)

How to Make Pav Bhaji

Step 1: Boil the Vegetables

In a pressure cooker or pot, boil potatoes, peas, cauliflower, and carrots until soft. Once cooled, mash them lightly using a potato masher. Do not make it completely smooth; a slightly textured consistency works best.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

Heat a large pan or flat tawa over medium heat. Add oil and butter. Once the butter melts, add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.

Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy. Stir occasionally.

Now add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and pav bhaji masala. Mix well and cook until the oil starts separating from the mixture. This step enhances the flavor of the spices.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Add the boiled and mashed vegetables to the pan. Mix thoroughly so that the vegetables combine well with the masala.

Using a masher, mash the mixture directly on the pan while cooking. This gives Pav Bhaji its signature smooth texture.

Step 5: Adjust Consistency

Add 1–2 cups of water depending on how thick or thin you prefer the bhaji. Simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

The bhaji should be thick, smooth, and well blended.

Step 6: Final Touch

Add a small cube of butter on top and mix it in for extra richness. Add lemon juice and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Your delicious Mumbai-style bhaji is ready!

How to Toast the Pav

Slice each pav horizontally without cutting it completely.
Heat a tawa and add butter.
Sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala on the butter (optional).
Place the pav on the tawa and toast on both sides until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Serve immediately while hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl topped with a cube of butter. Pair it with butter-toasted pav, finely chopped onions, and lemon wedges on the side.

For an authentic street-style experience, lightly press the pav into the bhaji before eating!

Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji

Use a flat tawa for authentic street-style taste.
Mash the vegetables thoroughly while cooking for smooth texture.
Use fresh pav bhaji masala for best flavor.
Add Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color.
Don’t skip butter—it gives the signature taste.
Simmer on low heat for deeper flavor.

Variations

Cheese Pav Bhaji – Add grated cheese on top before serving.
Jain Pav Bhaji – Skip onion and garlic.
Khada Pav Bhaji – Keep vegetables slightly chunky.
Extra Spicy Version – Add more green chilies or red chili powder.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bhaji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat with a little water to adjust consistency.
Pav should always be served fresh.

Conclusion

Pav Bhaji is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying Indian street food that never fails to impress. Its buttery, spicy vegetable mash paired with soft toasted pav makes it a perfect comfort meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, party, or weekend treat, this homemade Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji recipe is sure to be a hit.

Try it once, and it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen!

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