Mumbai Style Instant Pav Bhaji

Mumbai Style Instant Pav Bhaji is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Tasty food by Himanshi on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 21 min | Total: 34 min

Cost: $5.53 total, $1.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Green Peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 0.5 cup Cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 piece Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 1 piece Ginger (about 1 inch, minced)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 large Potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes (blended with green chili)
  • 1 piece Green Chili (seeded if less heat desired, blended with tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color and mild heat)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Red Chili Powder (regular hot chili powder)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tablespoon Pav Bhaji Masala
  • to taste Salt
  • 0.5 cup Water (use the same jar that held the blended tomatoes)
  • 2 tablespoon Butter (for toasting pav and garnish)
  • 8 pieces Pav (Indian Bread Rolls) (split horizontally)
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh Onion (finely chopped for garnish)
  • 1 piece Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Finely chop the onion, dice the potatoes, grate the carrot, shred the cabbage, mince the ginger and garlic, and blend the tomatoes with the green chili until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Onion

    Heat 1 tbsp oil in the pressure cooker on medium flame. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium flame

  3. Add Vegetables

    Add the diced potatoes, carrot, peas, cabbage, minced ginger and garlic to the cooker. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium flame

  4. Add Dry Spices

    Stir in Kashmiri red chili powder, regular red chili powder, turmeric, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium flame

  5. Add Tomato‑Chili Puree

    Pour the blended tomato and green chili mixture into the cooker. Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the oil to separate from the masala.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium flame

  6. Pressure Cook

    Add ½ cup water, stir, close the pressure cooker lid, and cook on medium flame for 5 minutes (2 whistles).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium flame

  7. Mash the Bhaji

    Allow the cooker to cool slightly, release the pressure, open, and mash the cooked vegetables with a masher until smooth but with a slight texture.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Toast the Pav

    Heat a pan, add a little butter, sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala, place the split pav slices and toast both sides until golden brown.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium flame

  9. Serve

    Transfer the bhaji to a serving bowl, top with a dollop of butter, chopped raw onion, and a lemon wedge. Serve hot with the toasted pav.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Mumbai Style Instant Pav Bhaji

Recipe by Tasty food by Himanshi

A quick, Mumbai‑style Pav Bhaji that comes together in about 15‑20 minutes of cooking. Fresh vegetables are sautéed, pressure‑cooked, and mashed to a buttery, flavorful bhaji, then served with butter‑toasted pav. Perfect for a tasty street‑food experience at home.

EasyIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
10m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.53
Total cost
$1.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté the onion until translucent – it builds the flavor base.
  • Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma without burning.
  • Pressure cook for exactly 5 minutes (2 whistles) to keep vegetables soft but not mushy.
  • Mash the bhaji to the right consistency – not too smooth, not too chunky.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil carefully to avoid splatter burns.
  • When using a pressure cooker, ensure the lid is properly sealed and release pressure safely before opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mumbai Style Pav Bhaji in Indian street food culture?

A

Pav Bhaji originated in the bustling streets of Mumbai in the 1850s as a quick, affordable meal for textile mill workers. Over time it became a beloved street‑food staple, symbolizing the city’s fast‑paced lifestyle and love for bold, buttery flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pav Bhaji within Indian cuisine?

A

While the classic Mumbai version uses a mix of potatoes, peas, and cauliflower, regional twists include adding beetroot in Pune, adding paneer in Delhi, or using coconut milk in coastal Karnataka. Each variation reflects local produce and taste preferences.

cultural
Q

How is Pav Bhaji traditionally served in Mumbai street stalls?

A

At Mumbai stalls, the bhaji is served piping hot in a shallow bowl, topped with a generous pat of butter, chopped raw onion, a lemon wedge, and accompanied by butter‑toasted pav brushed with extra butter and a sprinkle of pav bhaji masala.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Pav Bhaji traditionally enjoyed in Indian culture?

A

Pav Bhaji is a popular snack for monsoon evenings, late‑night gatherings, and casual celebrations like birthdays or office parties. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for impromptu get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

What makes Mumbai Style Pav Bhaji special compared to other Indian vegetable dishes?

A

The combination of a buttery, richly spiced bhaji with soft, toasted pav creates a unique textural contrast. The use of Kashmiri red chili powder gives it a vivid color, while the pressure‑cooking method keeps the vegetables tender yet flavorful.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mumbai Style Pav Bhaji at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the vegetables so they become mushy, burning the spices, and not mashing the bhaji to the right consistency. Also, using too little water can make the bhaji dry, while too much water dilutes the flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this Pav Bhaji recipe use a pressure cooker instead of simmering on the stovetop?

A

The pressure cooker dramatically reduces cooking time, softening the vegetables in just 5 minutes while preserving their bright colors and nutrients. It also helps the spices meld quickly, giving the bhaji its characteristic depth of flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Mumbai Style Pav Bhaji ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can fully cook and mash the bhaji a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water and finish with a knob of butter before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pav Bhaji is done?

A

The bhaji should be thick yet spreadable, with a deep orange‑red hue from the Kashmiri chili. Small soft vegetable pieces should still be visible, and a glossy sheen from butter should coat the surface.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Tasty food by Himanshi specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Tasty food by Himanshi focuses on quick, Indian home‑cooking recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, often using everyday pantry ingredients and simple techniques for busy cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Tasty food by Himanshi's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Tasty food by Himanshi emphasizes ultra‑fast preparation, minimal equipment, and street‑food flavors, whereas many other Indian channels may focus on elaborate, festival‑style dishes or extensive traditional techniques.

channel

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