Butter Pav Bhaji

Butter Pav Bhaji is a beloved Mumbai street food, known for its rich flavors and comforting appeal. This iconic dish combines a medley of mashed vegetables cooked in a buttery tomato gravy, served with soft bread rolls. Let’s delve into the ingredients and step-by-step guide to recreate this delicious treat at home.

Ingredients For Butter Pav Bhaji:

• 3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup green peas, boiled
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Serving:

• 8 pav (soft bread rolls)
• Butter for toasting

Step by Step guide :

1. Heat oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy and oil starts to separate.
5. Add chopped bell peppers and cook for another couple of minutes.
6. Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute to allow the spices to blend.
7. Add boiled and mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, and boiled green peas. Mix everything together until well combined.
8. Using a potato masher, mash the vegetables while stirring continuously. Add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Simmer the bhaji for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Once the bhaji is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
10. For the pav, slice each bread roll horizontally, without cutting all the way through.
11. Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat. Spread butter on the cut sides of the pav and toast them until golden brown and crisp.
12. Serve the hot Butter Pav Bhaji with toasted pav and a dollop of butter on the side. Garnish with additional chopped onions and lemon wedges for extra flavor.
13. Enjoy the Butter Pav Bhaji piping hot, savoring each bite of this delightful Mumbai street food.

With its rich flavors and comforting appeal, Butter Pav Bhaji is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a hearty meal, this iconic dish is a true culinary delight that brings people together in joyous celebration. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavorful journey as you recreate this Mumbai street food classic in the comfort of your own kitchen.