Mixed Vegetable Curry (Pav Bhaji Masala style)

Mixed Vegetable Curry (Pav Bhaji Masala style) is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by AprilFlower Arts on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 28 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min

Cost: $16.45 total, $4.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Boiled Potatoes (peeled and boiled until tender, then mashed)
  • 1 cup Boiled Carrots (boiled until soft, then mashed)
  • 3 cups Onions (finely chopped)
  • 1.5 cups Tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 cup Bell Pepper (chopped, any colour)
  • 2 cups Mixed Vegetables (e.g., green beans, peas, carrots, optional cauliflower)
  • 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade equal parts ginger and garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 piece Bay Leaf
  • 1 piece Cinnamon Stick
  • 5 pieces Cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
  • 1 piece Green Cardamom (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Paji Masala Powder (optional for extra flavor)
  • 3 tablespoons Butter (softened; 2 tbsp at start, 1 tbsp later)
  • 2 tablespoons Oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • to taste Salt (about ½ tsp initially, adjust later)
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mango Powder (Amchur) (optional for tanginess)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped for garnish)
  • 2 cups Water (or stock from boiled veg)
  • as desired Raw Onion (finely chopped for topping (optional))

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Butter

    Add 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter to a large skillet over medium heat and let the butter melt.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  2. Sauté Onions

    Add 3 cups finely chopped onions and ½ tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Add Ginger‑Garlic Paste

    Stir in 1 tbsp garlic paste and 1 tbsp ginger paste. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Toast Ground Spices

    Reduce heat to low. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1 tsp garam masala (optional). Stir quickly for 30 seconds so the spices release their fragrance.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: low heat

  5. Add Vegetables (except tomatoes)

    Add the chopped bell pepper, mixed vegetables, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes on medium‑high heat.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  6. Cook Tomatoes

    Add 1.5 cups chopped tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become a thick mash.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Add Water and Simmer

    Pour in 2 cups water (or the reserved potato‑carrot cooking water). Cover and let the vegetables simmer for 4‑5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Roast Whole Spices

    While the curry simmers, place a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf, 1 cinnamon stick, 5‑6 cloves, ½ tsp fennel seeds, and 1 green cardamom (optional). Roast for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant, then grind or crush into a fine powder.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Mash Potatoes and Carrots

    Using a potato masher (or blender), mash the boiled potatoes and carrots together until smooth. Add the mash to the skillet and stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Final Simmer and Seasoning

    Check seasoning, add more salt if needed, then simmer the curry for another 2‑3 minutes. Stir in the roasted whole‑spice powder, the remaining 1 tbsp butter, and optionally 1 tbsp paji masala powder and 1 tsp amchur (or a squeeze of lime juice).

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: low heat

  11. Garnish and Serve

    Turn off the heat. Garnish with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. Optionally top with raw chopped onion and a drizzle of lemon juice. Serve hot with pow (Indian buns), chapati, puri, naan, or butter toast.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy (butter)

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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Mixed Vegetable Curry (Pav Bhaji Masala style)

Recipe by AprilFlower Arts

A hearty, thick mixed‑vegetable curry flavored with aromatic whole spices, ginger‑garlic paste, and optional amchur for tanginess. Inspired by the popular Indian street‑food combo of pow (soft buns) and bhaji, this vegetarian dish is perfect served with Indian breads or toasted buns.

EasyIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
4m
Prep
26m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.45
Total cost
$4.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté onions until soft
  • Toast ground spices briefly to avoid burning
  • Mash boiled potatoes and carrots smoothly before adding
  • Roast whole spices and grind them fine before final addition

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and butter with care to avoid splatter burns
  • Use oven‑mitts when roasting whole spices as the pan becomes very hot
  • Be cautious when crushing hot spices; allow them to cool slightly before grinding

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala style in Indian street food culture?

A

The Paji (or Bhaji) curry is a classic Indian street‑food accompaniment to soft buns called pow. Originating from Maharashtra and Gujarat, it provides a hearty, spicy vegetable stew that balances the mild, fluffy bun, making it a popular snack and light meal across India.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Paji Masala vegetable curry in Indian cuisine?

A

In Maharashtra, the bhaji often includes cauliflower and uses a specific garam masala blend, while in Gujarat a sweeter version with a hint of jaggery is common. Coastal versions may add coconut milk, and some regions substitute amchur with tamarind for tanginess.

cultural
Q

How is mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala traditionally served in Indian street food stalls?

A

It is ladled over or alongside warm, freshly‑steamed pow buns. Vendors often garnish with raw chopped onions, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, offering a contrast of textures and bright acidity.

cultural
Q

During which Indian festivals or celebrations is Paji Masala vegetable curry typically enjoyed?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, the dish is a staple at monsoon fairs, weekend markets, and family gatherings, especially during the rainy season when hot, spicy comfort foods are favored.

cultural
Q

What makes mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala special compared to other Indian vegetable curries?

A

The combination of roasted whole spices, optional amchur for tang, and the finishing butter glaze creates a thick, aromatic gravy that clings to the vegetables, delivering a distinct street‑food flavor profile that differs from thinner, tomato‑based curries.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, green cardamom, turmeric, red chili, coriander, garam masala, and amchur. Substitutes can be ginger‑garlic paste for fresh ginger and garlic, dried mango powder replaced by lime juice, and butter swapped for ghee or a neutral oil for a vegan version.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala style?

A

It pairs perfectly with pow buns, naan, chapati, puri, or even a simple rice pilaf. Side dishes like cucumber raita, pickled onions, or a fresh salad balance the heat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala style?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the onions (they should stay slightly golden), burning the ground spices, skipping the roasting of whole spices, and adding too much water which makes the gravy thin. Also, failing to mash the boiled potatoes and carrots properly can result in a grainy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this mixed vegetable curry recipe use roasted whole spices instead of adding them directly?

A

Roasting whole spices releases essential oils and deepens their flavor, giving the curry a richer, more complex aroma that cannot be achieved by simply adding dry powders. The quick grind after roasting ensures the spices stay fragrant.

technical
Q

Can I make mixed vegetable curry in Paji Masala ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the curry can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. It also freezes well for up to a month.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel AprilFlower Arts specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel AprilFlower Arts, hosted by Tara, specializes in easy-to-follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional street‑food recipes, vegetarian dishes, and creative twists on classic Indian flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel AprilFlower Arts' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

AprilFlower Arts emphasizes step‑by‑step visual guidance with clear timing cues, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and often incorporates optional shortcuts (like pre‑made spice mixes) while still honoring authentic flavor profiles, making Indian cooking approachable for beginners.

channel

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