Pav Bhaji is a famous Mumbai street food dish made with a spicy, buttery mashed vegetable curry served with soft, toasted pav (bread rolls). Bursting with flavors, this dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or an evening snack.
Pav Bhaji – Mumbai Street-Style
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  • DIFFICULTY: Medium
  • 45 MINS

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cauliflower, boiled and mashed
  • 10 cashews, soaked and blended into a paste
  • 1/4 cup carrots, boiled and mashed
  • 1/4 cup capsicum, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green peas, boiled
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
  • 4 pav (soft bread rolls)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onions
  • Fresh coriander leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Method

1. Cook the Bhaji (Curry):

  • Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
  • Stir in tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  • Add capsicum and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and pav bhaji masala.
  • Add mashed potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and green peas.
  • Pour water and mash everything together until well combined.
  • Sprinkle kasuri methi and lemon juice, then mix well.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes until the bhaji thickens.

2. Toast the Pav:

  • Heat butter on a tawa (flat pan).
  • Sprinkle pav bhaji masala and toast the pav until golden brown on both sides.

3. Garnish & Serve:

  • Serve hot bhaji with butter on top.
  • Garnish with chopped onions, fresh coriander, and lemon wedges.
  • Serve with toasted pav on the side.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with extra butter for an authentic street-style experience.
  • Serve with chilled buttermilk or a refreshing lassi.

Pro Tips

  • Mash the vegetables well for a smooth texture.
  • Use homemade pav bhaji masala for an authentic taste.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a piece of burning charcoal in a small bowl inside the bhaji, cover for 2 minutes, and then remove.
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