Pav Bhaji Recipe – Street Style Mumbai Pav Bhaji at Home
Pav Bhaji isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant streets of Mumbai right to your home. Loved by people of all ages, this spicy, buttery vegetable mash served with soft, toasted pav buns has become one of the most iconic street foods of India. From the bustling food stalls of Mumbai to cozy home kitchens, the aroma of butter melting on a hot tawa and the perfectly spiced vegetable mash is irresistible.
What makes pav bhaji truly special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures – the creamy mash of potatoes and vegetables, the rich butter, the hint of tangy spices, and the crisp, golden pav. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for a weekday dinner, yet indulgent enough for parties and family gatherings. With this recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-style Mumbai pav bhaji at home, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic street-style flavor.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this guide will help you create pav bhaji that’s just like what you’d find on the streets of Mumbai – buttery, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Why This Pav Bhaji Recipe Is Special
Authentic Mumbai street-style taste
Uses simple vegetables available at home
Perfect balance of spice, butter, and texture
This recipe focuses on slow cooking and proper mashing, which is the secret behind a rich, flavorful pav bhaji.
Ingredients for Pav Bhaji
For Bhaji (Vegetable Mash)
3 medium potatoes (boiled & peeled; waxy potatoes are best for smooth mash)
1 cup cauliflower (chopped finely for quicker cooking)
1/2 cup green peas
1 medium carrot (grated or finely chopped to blend into bhaji)
1 large onion (finely chopped; sauté for sweetness)
1 medium capsicum (finely chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped or pureed)
2 tbsp butter (plus extra for serving)
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Water as required
Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
Lemon wedges for serving
For Pav
6–8 pav buns (soft, fresh; Mumbai-style if available)
Butter as needed
Pav bhaji masala (a pinch)
Step-by-Step Pav Bhaji Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Vegetables
In a pressure cooker or pot, boil potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and carrots with water and salt until soft. Drain excess water and keep aside. Mash lightly.
Tip: Do not overcook vegetables; slightly firm vegetables give better texture after mashing.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Masala
Heat butter and oil on a large pan or tawa. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
Now add capsicum and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly soft. If you like tangy flavor, add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Spices
Add chopped tomatoes or puree and cook until the mixture thickens and butter starts separating. Add turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and pav bhaji masala. Mix well.
Pro Tip: Cook tomatoes properly; undercooked tomatoes make bhaji watery and less flavorful.
Step 4: Add Vegetables & Mash
Add boiled vegetables to the masala. Using a potato masher, mash everything together until smooth. Add water gradually to adjust consistency.
Cook the bhaji on low flame for 10–15 minutes, stirring and mashing continuously. Add a little butter for richness.
Step 5: Final Touch
Add chopped coriander leaves and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Mix well. Taste and adjust salt or spice. Your delicious pav bhaji is ready to serve!
How to Toast Pav
1. Slice pav buns horizontally.
2. Heat a pan and add butter.
3. Sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala.
4. Toast pav until golden and crisp.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji
Use more butter, less oil for authentic taste
Mash bhaji while cooking for smooth texture
Cook bhaji longer for richer flavor
Use fresh pav bhaji masala for best aroma
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding too much water at once
❌ Not cooking tomatoes properly
❌ Using raw vegetable chunks without mashing
❌ Skipping butter (it gives street-style taste)
Variations of Pav Bhaji
Cheese Pav Bhaji – Add grated cheese on top
Jain Pav Bhaji – Skip onion and garlic
Khada Pav Bhaji – Less mashed, chunky vegetables
Butter Pav Bhaji – Extra butter for rich taste
Paneer Pav Bhaji – Add crumbled paneer for a creamy texture
Mixed Grain Pav Bhaji – Use multigrain pav for healthier version
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with butter-toasted pav, chopped onions, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Pair with cold drinks, chai, or pickles for a complete Mumbai street food experience.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store bhaji in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheat on a pan with little butter and water
Toast pav fresh before serving
FAQs About Pav Bhaji
Q1. Can I make pav bhaji without butter?
Yes, but butter gives authentic street-style flavor. You can use oil as a substitute but flavor will be slightly different.
Q2. Which vegetables are mandatory?
Potatoes are essential; others can vary based on availability and preference.
Q3. Is pav bhaji spicy?
You can adjust spice level as per taste. Start with 1 tsp chili powder and increase gradually.
Q4. Can I freeze pav bhaji?
Yes, freeze bhaji (not pav) for up to 1 month. Reheat on low flame adding a little water and butter.
Q5. Can I make vegan pav bhaji?
Yes, replace butter with plant-based butter or oil. Flavor will still be delicious.
History of Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji originated in Mumbai in the 1850s as a quick lunch for textile mill workers. Over time, it became a beloved street food enjoyed by people of all ages. Today, it’s served in food stalls, restaurants, and homes across India, with various modern twists like cheese pav bhaji, Jain pav bhaji, and multigrain versions.
Conclusion
Homemade pav bhaji is easy, flavorful, and perfect for family meals or parties. With the right balance of vegetables, spices, and butter, you can recreate Mumbai street-style pav bhaji at home effortlessly. Experiment with different vegetables, add cheese or extra butter if desired, and enjoy hot with butter-toasted pav, onions, and lemon. Every bite will take you straight to the vibrant streets of Mumbai!
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