Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish that originates from the state of Maharashtra. It consists of a flavorful and spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft bread rolls (pav). It's a delightful and satisfying dish that's enjoyed by people of all ages. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicious Pav Bhaji at home:

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas, and bell peppers), chopped
• 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
• Salt, to taste
• Butter or oil, for cooking
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnishing

For Serving:

• Pav (soft bread rolls)
• Butter
• Chopped onions
• Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Boil the Vegetables: In a large pot, boil the chopped mixed vegetables until they are tender. Drain the water and set aside.

2. Prepare the Bhaji Base: In a deep pan or skillet, heat some butter or oil. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

3. Add Aromatic Ingredients: Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.

4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and become pulpy. Then, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Cook the spices for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate.

5. Mash the Vegetables: Add the boiled vegetables to the pan and mix well with the spice mixture. Use a potato masher or a ladle to mash the vegetables to a coarse consistency. You want the bhaji to have a slightly chunky texture.

6. Adjust Consistency: If the bhaji is too dry, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency. Let the bhaji simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7. Finish with Butter: Add a generous amount of butter to the bhaji and mix well. This adds richness and flavor to the dish.

8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander leaves over the bhaji and give it a final mix. Your Pav Bhaji is now ready to be served!

9. Toast the Pav: Slit the pav horizontally, but not all the way through. Heat a little butter on a griddle or pan and toast the pav until they are golden and slightly crispy on the edges.

10. Serve: Serve the hot and spicy Pav Bhaji with the toasted pav, chopped onions, lemon wedges, and extra butter on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Pav Bhaji – a delicious and satisfying street food experience right in the comfort of your home!