Mumbai Pav Bhaji

Published: Jan 28, 2020 · Modified: Apr 5, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 60 Comments

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Pav Bhaji is a spicy mashed vegetable dish, served piping hot with a dollop of butter, diced red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Accompanied by warm buttery pan-toasted rolls, this visually delightful dish is sure to fill your tummy as well as your heart!

pav bhaji served with diced onions, pickle and papad

Pav Bhaji is a combo dish of Pav (meaning bread), and bhaji (meaning curried vegetables). Mumbai Paav Bhaji, the King of Indian Street Food, is an immensely gratifying meal, that will transport you to gastronomical bliss. Pav Bhaji is not only a sure-shot party pleaser but also a wholesome satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why I love to make Pav Bhaji at home

The best part I like about making Mumbai Pav Bhaji, is that you don’t have to be super precise in your initial prep and chopping. First, cook the roughly chopped vegetables together in the ginger-garlic, onion-tomato base. Next, lightly mash the cooked veggies, bringing forth the distinctly spicy-tangy flavors. The final dish is incredibly tasty and presentable, you will be surprised at how little effort went into making this goodness!

A great combination of nutritious mixed vegetables in a lip-smacking tomato base, Paav Bhaji is one of the best ways to get your kids to eat their veggies.

Pav Bhaji Masala or Spice Mix

Pav Bhaji gets its distinctive yumminess from a special spice blend, called Pav Bhaji Masala. There are several brands available at the Indian grocery stores and I like to buy Everest Pav Bhaji Masala or Badshah Pav Bhaji Masala.

If you do not have access to these, here is my quick recipe to make your own homemade Pav Bhaji Masala:

4 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
6 Kashmiri red chilies, less if using a spicier variety
2-inch cinnamon stick
6 cloves
4 green cardamom
1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Dry roast all of the above spices on medium heat. Allow the spices to cool down. Add the roasted spices along with 2 teaspoons of amchur {dry raw mango} powder to a spice grinder and make a fine powder, Store in an airtight container.

Here are other substitutions to pav bhaji masala in a pinch - Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of homemade garam masala, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of amchur or dry mango powder.

How to serve Paav Bhaji?

The best way to serve piping hot Pav Bhaji is with warm buttery rolls or buns. Dress up the dish with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, to elevate the flavors. I love to serve it with a side of spicy mango pickle or lemon pickle and roasted papad.

Couple it with vegetable biryani, and you have a full meal that works great for entertaining, game nights, or movie nights. And here are some of my desserts to serve along with Pav Bhaji - sweet coconut rice, pineapple sheera, and gajar ka halwa.

What is the best type of bread to serve with this spicy bhaji?

Serve your pav bhaji with unsweetened or very lightly sweet bread. I always recommend buying the ones that contain less than 3 grams of sugar. Here are some of my favorite options:

Potato rolls
Savory Hawaiian rolls
Dinner rolls
Burger buns

I am yet to come across a single Indian who doesn’t relish Pav bhaji. Mumbai Pav Bhaji is quite popular all over the country as one of the most loved and flavorful street food.

Let me share an interesting tidbit about street food in India. The best Indian street food is usually found in the quaint eateries lined outside universities. The cash-strapped students practically live on these yummilicious goodies, just as I remember from my college days. Your love for Paav bhaji, which starts at home, pretty much gets cemented in your college years.

MOC’s Pro Tips to make the best homemade Pav Bhaji:

Use any vegetables you have in your refrigerator. Usually, hardy vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and beets make a great addition
If you do not have fresh ginger and garlic, you can skip it as I have done it often. The bhaji will still be equally flavorful
To make Vegan Pav Bhaji substitute neutral vegetable oil or vegan butter for the butter
For spicier bhaji, add more pav bhaji masala or red chili powder

EASY step by step Pav Bhaji Recipe using Instant Pot:

Step 1: Saute Veggies

Select the high Sauté setting on the Instant Pot and heat 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the yellow onion, ginger, garlic, bell peppers and sauté until the onion turns translucent about 5 minutes
Add the cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and 2 teaspoons salt; pour in the water; and stir well with a wooden spoon, nudging loose any browned bits from the pot bottom

Step 2: Pressure Cook and mash with Spices

Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Press the Cancel button, then select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the cooking time for 6 minutes at high pressure
Perform a quick release by moving the Pressure Release to Venting. Open the pot. Select the normal Sauté setting and mash all the veggies with a potato masher
Stir in the tomato paste, pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, and turmeric, followed by 2 tablespoons butter (optional but highly recommended). Cover the pot with a glass lid (or another non-locking lid that fits), as the bhaji may start to splatter, and cook until heated through about 5 minutes
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pav bhaji masala, and chile powder if needed. Press the Cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Sprinkle with the cilantro

Step 3: Cook the rolls or buns

Next, lightly butter the potato buns and toast each side on a heated griddle or a pan

Spoon the bhaji onto plates, sprinkle with red onion, and serve with the toasted buns and lime wedges on the side.

Do not have an Instant Pot? No worries, here is my pav bhaji recipe using a stovetop pressure cooker:

Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a stovetop pressure cooker. Add onion, ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and sauté until the onion turns translucent about 5 minutes. Add the cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and 2 teaspoons salt; pour in the water, and stir well. Secure the lid and pressure cook 2 to 3 whistles or about 15 minutes on medium heat.
Open the pressure cooker and mash all the veggies with a potato masher. Stir in the tomato paste, pav bhaji masala, red chile powder, and turmeric, followed by 2 tablespoons butter. Cover with a glass lid, as the bhaji may start to splatter, and cook until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pav bhaji masala, and chili powder if needed. Garnish with cilantro.
Next, lightly butter the potato buns and toast each side on a heated griddle or a pan.
Spoon the bhaji onto plates, sprinkle with the red onion, and serve with the toasted buns and lime wedges on the side.

Here are my favorite drinks to serve with Pav Bhaji:

Did you enjoy this easy-to-make, hearty meal? Here are my go-to recipes that not only make a delicious weeknight meal but also are perfect for entertaining:

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Author: Archana

Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.

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Mumbai Pav Bhaji