सबसे आसान कुकर वाली पाव भाजी
सबसे आसान कुकर वाली पाव भाजी is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Kabita's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min
Cost: $5.13 total, $1.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 tbsp for cooking, 1 tbsp for tempering, 1 tbsp for toasting pav)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (mixed with butter to prevent burning)
- 2 large Green Chilies (finely chopped; adjust to heat preference)
- 2 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and finely chopped)
- 12 cloves Garlic (finely chopped or crushed)
- 2 large Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large Tomato (finely chopped)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1.5 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (mild, gives color)
- 2 tbsp Pav Bhaji Masala (any brand; Kabita's Kitchen brand recommended)
- 2 medium Potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Capsicum (Bell Pepper) (diced; any color)
- 0.5 cup Green Peas (fresh or frozen)
- 0.5 small Beetroot (peeled and diced; adds natural color)
- 1 cup Cauliflower (small florets, roughly chopped)
- 2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) (crushed)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)
- 8 pieces Pav (Indian Bread Rolls) (split horizontally)
- 1 whole Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
Prep the Vegetables
Finely chop green chilies, ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, capsicum, beetroot, cauliflower and set aside. Keep coriander separate for garnish.
Time: PT20M
Heat Butter and Oil
Add 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil to the pressure cooker and melt over medium heat.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped green chilies, ginger and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Cook Onions
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and start to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4‑5 minutes until they soften and the oil begins to separate.
Time: PT5M
Spice It Up
Sprinkle turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder and 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala. Mix well for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Add Main Vegetables
Add diced potatoes, carrots, capsicum, green peas, beetroot, cauliflower and 2 tsp salt. Sauté for 2‑3 minutes to coat the veggies with spices.
Time: PT3M
Pressure Cook
Pour in 2 cups water, stir, close the pressure cooker lid and cook on high flame for 5‑6 whistles (approximately 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Release Pressure
Turn off the heat and allow the cooker to depressurize naturally. Once the pressure valve drops, open the lid.
Time: PT2M
Mash the Bhaji
Using a potato masher, mash the cooked vegetables until smooth but with a few small chunks for texture.
Time: PT5M
Adjust Consistency
If the bhaji is too thick, add hot water (about ½ cup) gradually while stirring. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Tempering (Tadka)
In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp butter, add 1 tsp kasuri methi and 1 tsp pav bhaji masala. Stir for 1 minute.
Time: PT2M
Finish the Bhaji
Pour the hot tempering into the mashed bhaji, mix well and let it sit for a minute.
Time: PT1M
Add Fresh Coriander
Stir in the chopped coriander leaves.
Time: PT1M
Toast the Pav
Heat a skillet, melt a little butter, place the split pav halves, sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala and toast until golden on both sides.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Serve the hot bhaji in a bowl, topped with a dollop of butter if desired, alongside toasted pav, sliced raw onion and lemon wedges.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 55 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using oil instead of butter, Can be made gluten‑free by serving with rice or gluten‑free bread
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Ghee, Vegetable oil (for vegans)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Sunflower oil
- Instead of Green Chilies: Jalapeño (milder), Serrano (spicier)
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ginger paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Onion: Shallots (smaller amount)
- Instead of Tomato: Canned diced tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Fresh turmeric (1 tsp grated)
- Instead of Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Paprika, Regular red chili powder (use less)
- Instead of Pav Bhaji Masala: Garam masala (1 tsp) + additional chili powder
- Instead of Potato: Sweet potato (same amount)
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Capsicum (Bell Pepper): Green pepper
- Instead of Green Peas: Edamame (shelled)
- Instead of Beetroot: Food coloring (a pinch)
- Instead of Cauliflower: Broccoli
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kala namak
- Instead of Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Fenugreek seeds (1/2 tsp, toasted)
- Instead of Fresh Coriander Leaves: Parsley (for garnish)
- Instead of Pav (Indian Bread Rolls): Burger buns, Dinner rolls
- Instead of Lemon: Lime wedges
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Skillet or Frying Pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Potato Masher
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Serving Bowl
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pressure cooking the vegetable mixture until fully soft (Step 8)
- Mashing the bhaji to the right texture while retaining some chunks (Step 10)
- Preparing the butter tempering with kasuri methi and extra masala (Step 12)
- Toasting the pav with butter and a pinch of masala (Step 15)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh beetroot for natural orange‑red color; no food coloring needed.
- Leave a few peas and capsicum pieces un‑mashed for texture contrast.
- Crush kasuri methi between your palms before adding to release its aroma.
- Serve with a small knob of butter on top of the bhaji for extra richness.
Troubleshooting
Bhaji is too watery.
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate excess liquid, or mash with a little extra potato.
Bhaji is too thick.
Add hot water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Vegetables are still firm after pressure cooking.
Cook for an additional whistle or increase cooking time by 2‑3 minutes.
Lack of flavor.
Adjust salt, add a little extra pav bhaji masala, and ensure the tempering (tadka) is incorporated.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Not recommended; bhaji should be kept refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the bhaji a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat on low heat; add a splash of water while reheating.
- Toast the pav just before serving to retain crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pav Bhaji in Indian street food culture?
Pav Bhaji originated in Mumbai during the 1850s as a quick, affordable meal for textile mill workers. Over time it became a beloved street‑food staple across India, celebrated for its hearty vegetable mash served with butter‑toasted pav.
What are the traditional regional variations of Pav Bhaji in Maharashtra cuisine?
In Maharashtra, the classic version uses a blend of potatoes, cauliflower, peas and beetroot. Coastal variants add coconut and kokum for tang, while some regions sprinkle extra butter and serve with fried onions for extra richness.
How is Pav Bhaji traditionally served in Mumbai street stalls?
Street vendors serve the hot bhaji in a shallow bowl, topped with a generous pat of butter, chopped coriander, and a side of toasted pav. It is accompanied by finely sliced raw onion, lemon wedges, and sometimes a sprinkle of extra masala.
During which Indian festivals or celebrations is Pav Bhaji commonly enjoyed?
Pav Bhaji is a popular snack during monsoon festivals, family gatherings, and as a late‑night treat after celebrations like Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi, especially in Maharashtra where it is considered comfort food.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Pav Bhaji versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional Pav Bhaji relies on fresh potatoes, cauliflower, peas, beetroot, and a specific Pav Bhaji masala blend. Substitutes like sweet potato or frozen peas work, but using fresh vegetables and authentic masala preserves the classic flavor.
What other Maharashtrian dishes pair well with Pav Bhaji?
Pav Bhaji pairs beautifully with a side of fresh cucumber raita, a simple salad of sliced onions and tomatoes, or a sweet mango pickle. For a fuller meal, serve with a bowl of hot masala chai.
What makes Pav Bhaji special or unique in Indian cuisine?
Pav Bhaji is unique because it transforms a medley of vegetables into a thick, buttery mash that is both comforting and flavorful, and it is served with soft, butter‑toasted bread—an iconic combination of texture and taste.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pav Bhaji at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the vegetables so they become mushy, not mashing enough which leaves the bhaji grainy, and skipping the final butter tempering which reduces richness. Also, using too much water can make the bhaji soupy.
Why does this Pav Bhaji recipe use a pressure cooker instead of traditional stovetop simmering?
The pressure cooker softens the vegetables quickly, preserving their nutrients and flavor while reducing cooking time. It also ensures the bhaji reaches a uniform, smooth texture without long simmering.
What does the YouTube channel Kabita's Kitchen specialize in?
Kabita's Kitchen focuses on easy, home‑cooked Indian recipes that use everyday ingredients and simple techniques, often highlighting quick methods like pressure‑cooking for classic comfort dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Kabita's Kitchen's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Kabita's Kitchen emphasizes minimal spice usage, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and time‑saving tricks such as using a pressure cooker, making the recipes accessible for busy home cooks compared to more elaborate or restaurant‑style tutorials on other channels.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








