How to Make Delicious Bhaji for Pav: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bhaji for pav is an Indian street food that has become increasingly popular worldwide. Made with a mix of vegetables, spices, and sometimes meat, bhaji is a tasty and filling snack that you can enjoy at any time of the day. It is often served with pav – a type of soft bread – which makes it easy to hold and eat. Whether you are a fan of Indian food or not, bhaji for pav is definitely a dish worth trying.

Making bhaji at home may seem daunting at first, but it is actually quite simple. With a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can prepare this delicious snack in no time. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making bhaji for pav, step by step. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients Needed for Bhaji for Pav Sandwich:

Spices and Herbs:

One of the most important aspects of any recipe is the blend of spices and herbs used to flavor the dish. Bhaji for pav is no different! The spice blend used in this recipe consists of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, turmeric, asafoetida, red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Additionally, fresh herbs like cilantro can be added for a hint of freshness.

Vegetables:

The vegetables used in this recipe really give it its unique flavor and texture. To make bhaji for pav, you will need potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and green peas. These vegetables are diced and boiled until they are nice and soft – creating the perfect base for the spice blend.

Pav:

Pav is actually a type of Indian bread that is used to make the famous street food, pav bhaji. This bread is soft and fluffy, with a lightly sweet flavor. You can easily find pav at any Indian grocery store or substitute with any type of dinner rolls.

Pav Bhaji Masala:

Pav bhaji masala is essential for the true flavor of the recipe. This spice blend can also be found at any Indian grocery store. It is a combination of coriander, cumin, turmeric, fennel, and other spices that give the dish its signature taste.

Salt and Lemon Juice:

Salt and lemon juice are added to the bhaji to taste. It’s always important to season to taste, as everyone’s palate is different. Some people prefer their bhaji on the spicier side, while others prefer it more mild and tangy.

Ghee or Butter:

Ghee or butter is also used in this recipe to give the dish a rich and creamy texture. Ghee is clarified butter that has been simmered to remove any impurities. However, butter can be used as a substitute.

Kitchen Tools:

To make bhaji for pav, you will need a pressure cooker, vegetable chopper, and sauté pan. Additionally, a potato masher or immersion blender can be used to achieve the desired texture for the dish.

Preparation:

The first step in making bhaji for pav is to chop all of the vegetables and boil them until they are soft. After the vegetables have been cooked, they are then mashed or blended to create a smooth consistency. Next, the spice blend is added to the vegetables and mixed thoroughly. Finally, the dish is finished with a dollop of butter or ghee, salt, and lemon juice to taste.

Serving:

Bhaji for pav is traditionally served with pav bread that has been toasted with butter or ghee. Additional garnishes such as chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice can be added on top for extra flavor and texture.

Variations:

While the traditional bhaji for pav recipe is delicious on its own, there are countless variations that can be made to the dish. For example, adding cauliflower or carrots to the recipe can add a different dimension to the flavor and texture. Alternatively, you could add paneer or tofu for a vegetarian protein option. The options are truly endless!

Ingredients for Bhaji

Bhaji is a simple and delicious dish that can be easily prepared at home. All you need is a few basic ingredients that are easily available in most grocery stores. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make bhaji for pav:

1. 1 large onion
2. 1 green bell pepper
3. 1 red bell pepper
4. 2-3 green chilies
5. 2 medium-sized tomatoes
6. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
7. 1 tsp red chili powder
8. 1 tsp coriander powder
9. 1/2 tsp cumin powder
10. 1 tsp garam masala
11. 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
12. 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
13. 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
14. 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
15. 2 tbsp oil
16. Salt (as per taste)
17. A handful of chopped coriander leaves

Preparing the Bhaji

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing the bhaji. Follow these simple steps to make a delicious and flavorful bhaji for pav.

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Take a large pan or kadhai and add two tablespoons of oil to it. Heat the oil on medium flame.

Step 2: Add the Seeds

Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds to the pan. Fry the seeds for a few seconds until they start to splutter.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Green Chili

Next, add finely chopped onion and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent.

Step 4: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste

Add a teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste to the pan and stir well. Fry the paste until the raw smell disappears.

Step 5: Add the Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

Add the finely chopped bell peppers and tomatoes to the pan and mix everything together. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until the vegetables are partially cooked.

Step 6: Add the Spices

Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt (as per taste) to the pan. Mix everything together and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Add Water

Add half a cup of water to the pan and mix again. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer on low flame for ten minutes.

Step 8: Mash the Vegetables

After ten minutes, use a potato masher to mash the vegetables. This will help to thicken up the gravy and give it a creamy texture.

Step 9: Cook for a Few More Minutes

Cook the bhaji for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can add more water to the pan if the mixture is too thick.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish the bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with pav (Indian bread).

The Ingredients You Will Need

Making bhaji for pav will require some essential ingredients that you need to have ready. You can source all these ingredients from local Indian stores or online grocery stores in your area. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Preparing the Vegetables

Before starting the cooking process, it’s important to prepare the vegetables for the bhaji. Begin by peeling and washing the potatoes. Cut them into small cubes of about an inch each. Next, wash and chop the onions, tomatoes and green peppers.

The Cooking Process

Heat the oil in a large pan and add the mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the cumin seeds and asafoetida powder. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Now add the chopped tomatoes and green peppers and cook until they become soft and mushy.

Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Mix well. Then add the potatoes and mix again. Add a little water, cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on medium-low flame for around 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked.

Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them a little inside the pan with a potato masher or spoon. Finally, add chopped coriander and give it a stir.

The Serving Suggestions

Bhaji for pav is ideally served hot with pav or bread. You can also serve it with roti, naan or rice if you prefer. You can also add a dollop of butter or ghee on top to enhance the flavor.

The Conclusion

Bhaji for pav is a delicious and popular Indian dish. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or main course. With this recipe, you can cook it in no time and impress your guests or family. Remember to enjoy it hot and fresh for the best taste.

That’s How To Cook Delicious Bhaji for Pav

Making bhaji for pav is easy and fun. It’s a perfect dish to serve to your family and friends, and they will love it. You can experiment with different vegetables and spices and create your own version of bhaji. I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and it helps you to make delicious bhaji for pav. Thank you for reading, and please visit us again later for more exciting recipes!