Pav Bhaji is one of the famous fast food from streets on India. The best Pav bhaji you get is near Juhu beach.
Late evening, cool breeze from the sea and Hot and steamy Pav Bhaji... WOW...!!!!
I love this because it has lot of flavors but also very healthy with a lot of fibrous vegetables.
The name comes from Pav (bread buns) and Bhaji meaning mashed vegetables.
As mentioned Bhaji is mashed vegetables, which means a lot of vegetables are to be cut. If you have lot of vegetables in small quantity, you can make Bhaji at your home :).
Ingredients:
PotatoesCauliflower
Carrots
Paprika (Bell peppers)
Green Peas
Beans
Onions
Tomatoes
Ginger
Green Chilly
Turmeric powder
Salt
Pav Bhaji Masala or Garam Masala
Method
1. All the vegetables to be put in pressure cooker (or pot with lid) with some salt and turmeric. cook till the all vegetables become very soft and easy to mash.Tip: if the water is excess at this stage remove and keep it aside, you can mash vegetables easily, lesser the water, better it is. You can add this water later depending on the consistency you want.
2. Once the vegetables are boiled, mash them roughly.
Tip: Do not grind/blend the vegetables.
3. Grind Tomatoes and onions (in 1:1 ration) with Ginger and chilly (depending on the spice level you want).
4. In hot oil add some cumin seeds and then the onion tomatoes paste, once you see oil around the paste (an indication that the gravy is cooked) add Pav bhaji masala or Garam masala. You get this is most of the Indian stores. I prefer Pav Bhaji masala of MDH brand. Cook this for 5 min. Add very little water (from bolied vegetables) only if required at this stage.
Tip: Pav Bhaji Masala or Garam Masala can make the food very Spicy (not hot) that might cause heart burn and ruin all your experience on this marvelous food. If you are using Pav Bhaji masala add 2 Spoons and 1 spoon, if you are using Garam masala.
5. To the gravy add mashed vegetables and stir it well with the gravy so that the gravy blends well with vegetables. Add vegetable stock, if required and cook for 5-7 min.
6. Just before you turn the flames down add some lime to give tangy taste with Butter
Tip : Lemon balances spices level. If you are Vegans or Diet conscious, you can avoid butter.
6. Garnish it with coriander leaves and chopped onions.
It is best to serve bhaji after 30-60 min. all the flavors of vegetables, and spices will get blended well.
Serving
This is always served hot with additional coriander and butter as garnish along with raw chopped onions.You can serve this with Bread crisps (toasted in butter/oil). This can also be consumed with pancakes made of wheat flour or plain rice.
Enjoy cooking!
For any queries or information you can write me at atharad@gmail.com.
