Mumbai-Style Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe - Serves 4

A flavor-packed street food classic from Mumbai, Pav Bhaji is a spicy blend of mashed vegetables simmered in butter, aromatics, and Pav Bhaji Masala — served with hot, buttery toasted pav (bread rolls). A satisfying, indulgent meal for any time of day.

Ingredients:

For Bhaji:

• Butter – 3 tbsp

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Onions (finely chopped) – 2 medium

• Tomatoes (finely chopped) – 3 large

• Capsicum (finely chopped) – 1 medium

• Green peas (boiled) – ½ cup

• Potatoes (boiled & mashed) – 2 large

• Cauliflower (boiled & mashed) – ½ cup

• Ginger-Garlic paste – 1½ tsp

• Pav Bhaji Masala – 2 tbsp

• Red chilli powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Fresh coriander (chopped) – 2 tbsp

• Water – 1 to 1½ cups

For Pav:

• Pav (bread rolls) – 8

• Butter (for toasting) – as needed

Preparation Steps:

1. Sauté Base:
   Heat 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.

2. Add Ginger-Garlic:
   Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until raw smell disappears.

3. Cook Tomatoes & Capsicum:
   Add tomatoes and capsicum. Cook until tomatoes turn mushy and oil begins to separate.

4. Spice it Up:
   Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and pav bhaji masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.

5. Mash Veggies:
   Add boiled and mashed potatoes, peas, and cauliflower. Use a masher to combine and mash everything thoroughly.

6. Simmer with Water:
   Add 1 to 1½ cups of water to adjust consistency. Simmer on low flame for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Finish with Butter & Lemon:
   Add 1 tbsp butter, lemon juice, and chopped coriander. Mix well and switch off the flame.

8. Toast the Pav:
   Slice pav horizontally. Toast on a tawa with butter until golden and crisp.

9. Serve Hot:
   Garnish bhaji with a dollop of butter and chopped coriander. Serve with toasted pav, onion rings, and lemon wedges.