How To Make Pav Bhaji Recipe

How To Make Pav Bhaji Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Rajshri Food on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $36.66 total, $9.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Potatoes (peeled and roughly cut)
  • 1 cup Green Peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 2 large Tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 large Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium Capsicum (green bell pepper, diced)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted, divided)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • to taste Salt
  • 2 cups Water (for boiling and adjusting consistency)
  • a few drops Food‑grade Red Color (optional, for street‑style appearance)
  • 8 pieces Pav (Indian Bread Rolls) (split horizontally)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil potatoes, peas and tomatoes

    Add the peeled, roughly cut potatoes, peas, chopped tomatoes, 1 cup water and a pinch of salt to a large pot. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15‑20 minutes until the vegetables are fork‑tender.

    Time: PT20M

  2. Mash the boiled vegetables

    Drain any remaining water. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes, peas and tomatoes together, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve a smooth, slightly chunky consistency.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sauté onions and aromatics

    In the same pan, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add sliced onion, cumin seeds, garlic paste and chili powder. Stir and cook until the onion turns translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add capsicum and ground spices

    Add the diced capsicum, turmeric powder and garam masala to the pan. Stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes until the capsicum softens and the spices become fragrant.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Combine mash with sautéed mixture

    Add the mashed vegetable pulp to the pan. Mix thoroughly, then drizzle a few drops of red food color if desired. Taste and adjust salt, adding a little water to reach a creamy consistency.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Pressure‑cook the bhaji (optional)

    Transfer the bhaji to a pressure cooker, seal and cook on high pressure for 2‑3 whistles. Allow the pressure to release naturally, then open.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Simmer the bhaji

    Return the bhaji to the pan (or keep in the pressure cooker) and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Butter and toast the pav

    Slice each pav horizontally. Generously spread the remaining 2 Tbsp butter on both cut sides. Heat a griddle or tawa over medium‑high heat and toast the pav until golden brown on both sides, about 2‑3 minutes per side.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Serve

    Transfer the hot bhaji to a serving bowl, garnish with a dollop of butter and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with the toasted pav.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

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

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using oil instead of butter, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free rolls

Allergens: Dairy (butter), Gluten (pav bread)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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How To Make Pav Bhaji Recipe

Recipe by Rajshri Food

A classic Mumbai street food dish featuring a buttery, spiced vegetable mash (bhaji) served with toasted buttered pav (soft bread rolls). This recipe follows Rajshri Food's video tutorial, providing step‑by‑step instructions, tips, and cultural background for authentic flavor.

MediumIndianServes 4

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

Source Video
17m
Prep
43m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$36.66
Total cost
$9.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling vegetables until fully tender
  • Mashing to a smooth yet slightly chunky consistency
  • Sautéing onions and spices in butter without burning
  • Combining the mash with the sautéed aromatics
  • Optional pressure cooking for depth of flavor
  • Generously buttering and toasting the pav

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water and steam when boiling vegetables.
  • Use caution when releasing pressure from the pressure cooker.
  • Butter can splatter; keep a lid nearby to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Pav Bhaji originated in the 1850s in Mumbai as a quick, affordable meal for textile mill workers. Over time it became a beloved street‑food staple, symbolizing the city's bustling, multicultural vibe.

cultural
Q

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

A

In Maharashtra, the classic version uses butter and a mix of potatoes, peas, and tomatoes. Variants include cheese‑topped bhaji, mushroom bhaji, and spicy Kolhapuri style that adds extra chilies and garam masala.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Pav Bhaji traditionally served in Mumbai?

A

It is served piping hot in a shallow bowl, topped with a generous pat of butter, chopped cilantro, and a wedge of lemon, alongside butter‑toasted pav that are split and grilled on a tawa.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Pav Bhaji commonly enjoyed in Indian culture?

A

Pav Bhaji is a popular snack for evenings, monsoon gatherings, and street‑food festivals. It is also served at family get‑togethers and as a comfort food during celebrations.

cultural
Q

What makes Pav Bhaji special or unique in Maharashtrian cuisine?

A

Its unique blend of buttery, spiced vegetable mash with soft, toasted pav creates a comforting contrast of textures. The use of garam masala and a hint of red food color gives it a distinctive street‑style appearance.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pav Bhaji versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include potatoes, peas, tomatoes, capsicum, butter, and a specific spice mix (cumin, turmeric, garam masala). Substitutes can be mixed vegetables for peas, oil for butter (vegan), and curry powder for garam masala if unavailable.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the vegetables so they become mushy, burning the butter while sautéing spices, and not adjusting the consistency with water. Also, avoid under‑seasoning; taste and adjust salt and spices before serving.

technical
Q

Why does this Pav Bhaji recipe use a pressure cooker for the bhaji instead of just simmering?

A

Pressure cooking quickly softens the vegetables and melds the spices, giving the bhaji a deeper, richer flavor while saving time. It also helps achieve the characteristic smooth texture without excessive mashing.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, the bhaji can be prepared a day ahead, cooled, and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2‑3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water, and toast fresh pav just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rajshri Food specializes in Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional recipes, street‑food classics, and step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rajshri Food's approach to Indian street‑food cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Rajshri Food emphasizes clear, concise instructions with minimal equipment, often using everyday pantry items and offering practical tips for authentic flavor while keeping the process approachable for beginners.

channel

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