Go Back
–+ servings
pav bhaji

The Best Pav Bhaji Recipe | Mumbai Street Style Pav Bhaji

Jyoti Behrani
Mumbai street-style pav bhaji recipe! Made with a medley of mashed vegetables, aromatic spices, and served with soft pav bread rolls, this iconic street food will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mumbai. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal any time of the day!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian, North Indian
Servings 8
Calories 92 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

Ingredients For Bhaji:

  • 2 large onion ,chopped
  • 2 cup cauliflower florets
  • 2 medium potatoes ,peeled and roughly chopped
  • 2 medium carrots ,peeled and roughly chopped
  • ½ small beetroot ,chopped
  • ½ cup green peas , (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tomatoes ,chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste ,optional
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoon pav bhaji masala ,as per taste
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder ,optional
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice ,adjust to taste
  • ½ - 1 cup hot water ,as needed
  • 2 tablespoon butter or oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

To serve Pav Bhaji:

  • 16 Pav (Dinner rolls)
  • Butter ,as needed
  • Pav bhaji masala ,optional
  • 1 onion ,chopped
  • Handful of fresh cilantro ,chopped
  • Few lemon wedges

Instructions
 

The Best Pav Bhaji Recipe: Stovetop Method

  • Peel and chop potatoes, carrots, beets, cauliflower, and peas. Add a cup of water, and pressure cook the vegetables for 3 whistles or until veggies are soft.
  • In a cast iron skillet, heat butter and oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add chopped onions, and a pinch of salt, and sauté until onions turn translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add chopped capsicum, and sauté for a minute.
  • Add chopped tomatoes, green chili, and tomato paste (if using). Cook until tomatoes are soft.
  • Add pav bhaji masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt to taste. Cook for a minute to let the spices blend in.
  • Add the boiled and mashed veggies to the masala mix. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Adjust salt if needed. Mash the veggies using a potato masher.
  • Add hot water gradually to achieve the desired consistency for the bhaji. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Add chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Instant Pot recipe for Pav Bhaji

  • In the Instant Pot, add potatoes, carrot, beetroot, cauliflower, and green peas,
  • Add a cup of water, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Release pressure naturally.
  • Mash the cooked vegetables with a potato masher until smooth. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  • Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat oil and butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste, and sauté for a minute.
  • Add chopped capsicum, and sauté for a minute.
  • Add chopped tomatoes (and tomato paste if using), and green chili, and cook until tomatoes turn soft.
  • Stir in pav bhaji masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a minute.
  • Add the mashed vegetable mixture to the Instant Pot and mix well with the masala.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding hot water if needed. Simmer for a few minutes. Turn off the sauté.
  • Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Serve Pav Bhaji Hot:

  • Toast pav with a bit of butter and bhaji masala on a griddle for a warm and slightly crisp texture.
  • Serve Pav Bhaji hot with toasted pav (bread rolls), chopped onions, and lemon wedges.
  • Enjoy your delicious Mumbai-style pav bhaji!

Notes

Please refer to the post for the following:
  • Tips For Delicious Mumbai Style Pav Bhaji Recipe
Common Questions:
  1. Is pav bhaji good for health?
    • Yes, pav bhaji can be a nutritious option if prepared without excessive butter and enjoyed in moderation, as it incorporates a variety of vegetables and essential nutrients. Skipping or reducing the amount of butter can make it a healthier choice within a well-balanced diet.
  2. How to get red color in pav bhaji?
    • To achieve the vibrant red color in pav bhaji, you can use grated beetroot or Kashmiri red chili powder during the cooking process, which contributes a natural and appealing hue without compromising on flavor. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference for color intensity while keeping in mind the distinct taste each ingredient imparts.
  3. Which pav bhaji masala is best?
    • Both MDH and Everest are popular brands known for their quality spices, so the choice between them for pav bhaji masala depends on personal preference and availability.
  4. How to make pav bhaji without onion and garlic?
    • To make pav bhaji without onion and garlic, omit both ingredients from the recipe and proceed with the remaining steps, adjusting spices and flavors according to personal preference. The dish will still have a delicious and satisfying taste, catering to those who prefer an onion and garlic-free version.
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
The Best Pav Bhaji Recipe | Mumbai Street Style Pav Bhaji
Amount per Serving
Calories
92
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.4
g
1
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.04
g
Sodium
 
45
mg
2
%
Potassium
 
559
mg
16
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
3030
IU
61
%
Vitamin C
 
36
mg
44
%
Calcium
 
36
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Check out Living Smart And Healthy!

KEYWORD

pav bhaji, pav bhaji food, pav bhaji instant pot, pav bhaji recipe, recipe pav bhaji