🇮🇳🔥 Pav Bhaji - original 🇮🇳 Indian Streetfood Recipe 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 it’s out of this World

🇮🇳🔥 Pav Bhaji - original 🇮🇳 Indian Streetfood Recipe 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 it’s out of this World is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by CoffeeMilk Family on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 32 min | Total: 2 hrs 52 min

Cost: $15.19 total, $3.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Warm Milk (around 40‑45°C, helps activate yeast)
  • 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (≈7 g)
  • 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar (Feeds the yeast)
  • 500 grams All-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Softened, cut into cubes)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (For sautéing vegetables)
  • 1 cup Cabbage (Finely chopped)
  • 1 cup Green Capsicum (Finely chopped (bell pepper))
  • 1 cup Green Peas (Frozen, thawed)
  • 2 medium Tomatoes (Chopped; canned tomatoes can be used as substitute)
  • 1/2 cup Water (Adjust as needed for consistency)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (Adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) (Crushed)
  • 1 teaspoon Homemade Kitchen Masala (Custom spice blend; optional)
  • 2 medium Boiled Potatoes (Mashed)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger‑Garlic Paste (Freshly minced or store‑bought)
  • 1 large Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) (Chopped)
  • 2 pieces Green Chilies (Finely chopped, adjust for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (For brushing buns and final pan sauté)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    In a bowl combine warm milk, dry yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar. Stir gently and let rest for 5 minutes until frothy.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Dough Base

    In a larger bowl sift 500 g all‑purpose flour. Add softened butter and ½ teaspoon salt. Make a well in the centre.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Mix and Knead Dough

    Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour well. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for at least 10 minutes until smooth, soft and non‑sticky.

    Time: PT10M

  4. First Proof

    Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.

    Time: PT1H

  5. Prepare Vegetables

    While dough rises, finely chop cabbage, green capsicum, green peas (if frozen, thaw), tomatoes, onion, garlic‑ginger paste, coriander and green chilies.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Cook Bhaji Base

    Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cabbage, capsicum and peas; sauté until softened (about 5‑7 minutes). Add chopped tomatoes, ½ cup water, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, kasuri methi and kitchen masala. Cook 5‑10 minutes until tomatoes break down.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Mash and Blend

    Add the mashed boiled potatoes to the pan. Mash everything together using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. If the mixture looks too thick, add a little more water.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Finish Bhaji

    Stir in ginger‑garlic paste, chopped onion, coriander, green chilies and lemon juice. Mix well and **do not let the mixture boil again**; keep it warm on low heat.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Shape Buns

    Punch down the risen dough and divide into nine equal portions. Lightly butter a baking tray. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, then gently flatten to a bun shape and place on the tray.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Brush and Bake

    Brush the tops of the buns with a little milk. Place the tray in a **cold** oven, add a few small bowls of water, set temperature to 160 °C and bake for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 160°C

  11. Cool Buns

    Remove the buns, cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Serve

    Heat a little butter in a pan, lightly toast each bun cut‑side down for 1‑2 minutes, then serve with a generous spoonful of bhaji, topped with fresh coriander and an extra pat of butter if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using plant‑based milk and oil instead of butter

Allergens: Milk, Butter, Gluten

Last updated: April 24, 2026

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🇮🇳🔥 Pav Bhaji - original 🇮🇳 Indian Streetfood Recipe 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 it’s out of this World

Recipe by CoffeeMilk Family

A classic Indian street‑food combo of soft, buttery buns (pav) served with a spiced vegetable mash (bhaji). The recipe walks you through making fluffy yeast‑leavened buns from scratch and a flavorful, buttery bhaji packed with cabbage, capsicum, peas, potatoes and aromatic spices.

MediumIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
1h 55m
Prep
40m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.19
Total cost
$3.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activating the yeast properly (warm milk, 5 min rest).
  • Kneading the dough until smooth and non‑sticky (minimum 10 min).
  • First proofing for 1 hour to achieve proper rise.
  • Do not let the bhaji boil after adding onions, garlic and ginger.
  • Baking the buns in a cold oven with steam bowls for a soft interior.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oven can cause burns – use oven mitts.
  • Hot oil may splatter – keep a lid nearby.
  • Sharp knives used for chopping – cut away from body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Pav Bhaji originated in Mumbai in the 1850s as a quick, hearty meal for textile mill workers. The buttery buns (pav) and spiced vegetable mash (bhaji) became a beloved street‑food staple across India, symbolizing comfort and affordability.

cultural
Q

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

A

While the classic Mumbai version uses cabbage, capsicum and peas, other regions add cauliflower, carrots or beans. In Pune, a richer butter‑laden bhaji is common, and in South India, coconut and curry leaves may be added for a local twist.

cultural
Q

How is Pav Bhaji traditionally served in Maharashtra?

A

It is served hot on a plate with butter‑toasted pav, a dollop of butter on each bun, fresh chopped onions, coriander, a wedge of lemon and sometimes a side of fried papad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Pav Bhaji associated with in Indian culture?

A

Pav Bhaji is a popular snack for monsoon evenings, weekend gatherings, and street‑food festivals. It’s also served at informal parties and as a late‑night comfort dish after celebrations.

cultural
Q

What makes Pav Bhaji special or unique in Indian street food cuisine?

A

The combination of a soft, buttery bun with a richly spiced, mashed vegetable medley creates a comforting contrast of textures and flavors that is uniquely Indian and instantly recognizable.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, letting the bhaji boil after adding onions and garlic (which dulls their fresh flavor), and baking the buns in a pre‑heated oven, which can make them dry instead of soft.

technical
Q

Why does this Pav Bhaji recipe use a cold oven with water bowls instead of a pre‑heated oven?

A

Starting in a cold oven allows the buns to rise slowly, producing a softer crumb, while the water bowls generate steam that keeps the crust tender and prevents the buns from drying out.

technical
Q

Can I make Pav Bhaji ahead of time and how should I store the buns and bhaji?

A

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated after the first proof and shaped later. Bhaji keeps well refrigerated for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove. Store buns in an airtight container and re‑toast before serving.

technical
Q

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

A

The bhaji should be thick, slightly coarse, with visible bits of softened vegetables and mashed potatoes. It should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy sheen from the butter and oil.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Pav buns are fully baked?

A

The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when pressed gently. An internal temperature of about 95 °C indicates they are cooked through, and they should feel soft, not doughy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel CoffeeMilk Family specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel CoffeeMilk Family focuses on family‑friendly home cooking, sharing step‑by‑step tutorials of Indian comfort dishes, quick meals, and creative twists on classic recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel CoffeeMilk Family's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

CoffeeMilk Family emphasizes clear, beginner‑friendly explanations, uses everyday kitchen tools, and often incorporates homemade spice blends, making traditional Indian dishes accessible to home cooks worldwide.

channel

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