Authentic Indian Pav Bhaji: Spicy Vegetable Curry with Buttery Pav
40 minutes
945 reads

About Authentic Indian Pav Bhaji: Spicy Vegetable Curry with Buttery Pav
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of authentic Indian Pav Bhaji, a beloved street food sensation. This recipe delivers a rich and spicy medley of mixed vegetables simmered in a fragrant onion-tomato masala. The perfectly spiced bhaji is served with soft, buttery pav rolls, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.From the bustling streets of India to your kitchen, this recipe captures the essence of this iconic dish. Get ready to savor every bite of this comforting and flavorful vegetarian delight, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total40 minutes
Ingredients
Vegetables for the Bhaji
- 1/2 medium Head Of Cabbage quartered
- 1/2 medium Head Of Cauliflower broken into large florets
- 2 medium Potatoes peeled and halved
- 2 medium Carrots peeled and cut into 2-3 pieces
- 1 cup Peas fresh or frozen
- 1 medium Beetroot peeled
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 large Onion finely chopped
- 1/2 medium Bell Peppers capsicum, diced small
- 1-2 Chilies adjust to taste, finely chopped, green
- 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 4 large Tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 tsp Asafoetida hing
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder adjust to taste, red
- 1/2 tsp Dry Mango Powder dry mango powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 2-3 tbsp Pav Bhaji Masala or to taste
- 1-2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Boil or pressure cook the vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas, and beetroot) with 1 cup of water and salt until very tender.
Mash the Vegetables
- Mash the cooked vegetables using a potato masher to your desired consistency. A slightly chunky texture is ideal.
Make the Pav Bhaji Masala
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt and sizzle.
- Add asafoetida, cumin seeds, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies (if using). Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion turns pinkish-brown (about 5 minutes).
- Add the diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Mix well, lower the heat to medium, and cook the masala for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Combine and Simmer
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the mashed vegetables and all the dry spices (turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, amchur powder, garam masala, pav bhaji masala, and salt). Mix thoroughly.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined and heated through.
Finish and Serve
- Uncover the bhaji. Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- While the bhaji simmers, slice the pav rolls in half. Spread butter on the cut sides and toast lightly in a skillet or under a broiler.
- Serve the pav bhaji hot, garnished with butter, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and lime wedges. Serve alongside the toasted pav rolls. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Pav Bhaji
- For extra depth of flavor: Lightly char the tomatoes and onions before adding them to the masala.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less chili powder and add more to your preference. Amchur powder adds a unique tangy-sweetness that balances the heat.
- Don't overcook the bhaji: Overcooking can make it dry and pasty. Aim for a slightly moist, flavorful consistency.
- Toast the pav perfectly: Use a little extra butter, to ensure the pav rolls are nicely toasted and soft inside for the perfect pairing.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 366kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 792mgPotassium: 1055mgFiber: 11gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 4873IUVitamin C: 101mgCalcium: 159mgIron: 4mg
3 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


This looks so good! Can’t wait to cook it.
I’m eager to make this recipe!
This is so tempting! Thank you.