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Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a vibrant, spicy mash of vegetables cooked with aromatic spices and finished with a smoky flavor, served with toasted buttery buns. The dish features a thick, glossy vegetable mixture that is both hearty and flavorful, with a hint of charred aroma from the spices. Its colorful appearance and rich texture make it a street-food favorite that’s perfect for sharing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces potatoes preferably fluffy, boiled until tender
  • 2 cups tomatoes ripe and juicy, chopped
  • 1 cup bell peppers any color, chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
  • 1 tablespoon butter for finishing and toasts
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala spice mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric for color and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 cup water as needed to adjust consistency
  • 4 pav buns pav buns soft, slightly sweet buns
  • 1 small lemon for squeezing
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet
  • Pot for boiling potatoes
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Chopping board and knife
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Toaster or oven

Method
 

  1. Boil the potatoes in a pot until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil and butter in your large pan over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble gently.
  3. Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden and fragrant, about 8 minutes. You should hear a gentle sizzle and see them become translucent.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and bell peppers to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, about 10 minutes, filling the air with a sweet, smoky aroma.
  5. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
  6. Add the boiled potatoes to the pan. Mash them directly into the mixture using a masher or fork, stirring to combine and create a uniform mash. Cook for about 10 minutes, mashing and stirring until the mixture is thick, glossy, and smoky smelling.
  7. Taste the mash and add salt as needed. If it’s too thick, splash in a little water and simmer gently until smooth and thick.
  8. While the mash simmers, toast the pav buns in a toaster or oven until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Spread a little butter on each before toasting for extra flavor.
  9. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the hot mash to brighten the flavors. Mix well.
  10. Serve the spicy mash hot, topped with a dollop of butter and chopped onions if desired. Place the toasted buns alongside, ready for dipping or piling high with the mash.

Notes

For an authentic smoky flavor, cook the mash on high heat for a few minutes at the end to create a slight char. Adjust spice levels to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots for variety.