Street food is synonymous with South Asian cuisine simply because of the mountains of flavor it offers. But what makes them stand out, in addition to the taste, is that it is a healthy alternative to other types of food. Each person has a unique street dish close to their heart, however, there is one special indian street food that has captivated the taste buds of indians for decades – the one and only Pav Bhaji! From children to adults, everyone enjoys this spicy and savory dish which can be eaten at any time during the day. Wondering how to recreate this evergreen favorite in the kitchen? We have got you covered! Here is a simple and easy recipe to make Pav Bhaji at home.
What is Pav Bhaji?
Originating in Mumbai, accounts of pav bhaji date back to the 1850s. It is believed that the dish first came into being owing to the convenience involved in making it. Most accounts point to textile mill workers in Mumbai who required a quick meal for their breaks rather than a full traditional lunch. This was primarily because a full lunch was heavy and took time to prepare which is not ideal for the short breaks that textile workers were usually given. Moreover, a heavy meal is often a hindrance when it comes to getting back to strenuous work. Anecdotal accounts over the years indicate that chefs replaced rotis with rolled bread called pav and created a mashed vegetable curry that is both savory and capable of delivering all essential nutrients. Bhaji or the mashed vegetable curry is made in tomato gravy and usually topped with onions and/or coriander. The flavor of pav bhaji is tangy because of the tomatoes and can be spiced according to preference. A lot of butter is involved in its preparation as well.
Main Ingredients
The right ingredients are the secret to a great dish. The following ingredients are the ones most commonly used to make the authentic Mumbai pav bhaji:
Vegetable oil, garlic, green chili peppers, onions, ginger, green peas, cauliflower, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, capsicum, bhaji masala mix, tomato, cilantro, salt, lemons, kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric and cilantro.
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Cooking Steps
There are multiple methods by which pav bhaji can be cooked. The method described below is slightly longer but the end result is more flavorful. Without further ado, let’s make some pav bhaji.
Wash all the vegetables well and peel their skins where necessary. Dice them into small pieces to allow for maximum flavor to diffuse into the curry. Following that, boil the vegetables in a pot along with the green peas. Boil for about ten minutes or more, depending on the quantity. Now it’s time to saute the onions. Add salted butter to a frying pan and let it melt. Once the butter has melted, drop some cumin seeds into the mix. As the cumin seeds begin to crack, add the chopped onions into the pan. Continue heating and mix well until the onions start to become translucent. Crush the ginger and garlic to fine paste and add it to the sauteed onions. Mix well again until the scent of ginger and garlic dies down.
Once the onions have browned completely, add the sliced green chilis and tomatoes to the pan. Sautee the tomatoes until they have softened considerably and proceed to add the chopped capsicum, bhaji masala, turmeric and kashmiri chili powder. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed. Slightly mash the boiled vegetables and add them to the frying pan along with the stock water. Pour additional water if required and mix well. Pour water to taste and leave the bhaji to simmer. When the bhaji reaches the desired consistency, take it off the heat. Toast the bread rolls or pav in a mixture of bhaji masala and butter and the delicious pav bhaji combo is ready to be served.
In addition to making the mouth water, pav bhaji contains all essential nutrients and is rich in fiber and vitamins. This makes it the perfect snack or light meal to spice up your day. Moreover, the dish can be customized with the vegetables you like and is perfect for all occasions. The ratio of butter and spices can also be tailored to suit individual preferences making it one of the best Indian dishes.