Pav Bhaji (Mumbai Street Style)
Pav Bhaji is a delicious street food from Mumbai. It is a blend of spicy mashed vegetables served with butter toasted buns.
Dish: Pav Bhaji
Variant: Pav Bhaji (Mumbai Street Style)
- Total time
- 30 min
- Active time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Ingredients and Constraints
Ingredients
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
Ingredient watchpoints12 watchpoints
Short requirements and tradeoffs to check while gathering ingredients; detailed source notes stay expandable.
Potatoes
1½ to 2 cups (300 grams) potatoes (diced (3 medium or 2 large) )
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Cauliflower
1 cup (100 grams) cauliflower ((florets, optional))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Carrot
½ cup (75 grams) carrot ((optional, 1 small))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Onion
¾ to 1 cup (125 grams) onions ((finely chopped, 1 medium))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Green Chilies
1 green chili ((slit or chopped, leave out for kids, optional))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Ginger Garlic Paste
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or chopped)
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Capsicum
½ cup capsicum ((bell pepper) chopped)
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Tomatoes
¾ to 1 cup (125 grams) tomatoes ((finely chopped, 2 medium ))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Kasuri Methi
¾ tablespoon kasuri methi ((dried fenugreek leaves, optional))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Lemon
1 Lemon ((sliced))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Onion
2 to 4 tablespoon onions (Chopped finely)
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Butter
2 tablespoon butter ((divided between servings))
The source row includes a form, size, temperature, preparation, or handling detail.
Details and source
Additional ingredient notes
Ingredients You Need
Pav (dinner rolls/ bread rolls): Indian pav is made with refined white flour, milk and yeast.
They are eggless & are easily available in the Indian stores. If you live outside India & don’t find pav, you may serve them with unsweetened buns, sourdough or artisan breads. Whole grain crusty breads also go well with this bhaji. Mixed vegetables: I use fresh veggies like carrots, cauliflower, bell peppers, beans potatoes & frozen peas. You may opt to use pre cut veggies from the stores if you want. Butter is the key ingredient that adds flavor to the dish. You may use cultured butter if you have for extra flavor. Pav Bhaji Masala is a spice blend used to cook the bhaji.
Notes
To get a deep red color, soak 10 red chilies in half cup hot water until soft.
Then blend them to a thick paste with very little water in a small blender. The street style dish is mostly made without cauliflower. If you do not have pavbhaji masala, then you can make it by using the ingredients I mentioned in the intro of this post. You can also replace pav bhaji masala with garam masala and more red chili powder. But the flavor will be different.
Method Overview
Structured method notes that are separate from the step timeline.
My Recipe
My homemade version is easier than you think & it tastes incredibly delicious!
Except for the preparation, you won’t need to put much effort. Though an all-time favorite, this isn’t the perfect starter instead it is ideal for a meal. Because no one wants to stop with 1 to 2 servings of this. Bhaji has a mélange of vegetables cooked with butter and pav bhaji masala, a special spice blend which creates a magic. The piping hot bhaji is topped with a generous amount of butter and garnished with coriander leaves. It is then served alongside butter toasted pav, chopped onions and lemon wedges. Then you are ready to dip the pav in the bhaji and relish it. In this post I show 2 ways to make it.
Source video
Source video
Method Timeline
Prep
ActivePrep
15 min
Prep time from the source recipe card.
Cook
ActiveCook
15 min
Cook time from the source recipe card.
Total
PassiveTotal
30 min
Total time from the source recipe card.
Step 1
Add potatoes, cauliflower, peas & carrots (optional) to a pressure cooker or a pot. Pour 1½ cups water, it should be just enough to cover them partially.
Image detailsboiling veggies for pav bhaji recipeSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools5
Uses
- 1½ to 2 cups (300 grams) potatoes (diced (3 medium or 2 large) )
- ½ to ¾ cup (75 grams) green peas ((matar))
- 1 cup (100 grams) cauliflower ((florets, optional))
- ½ cup (75 grams) carrot ((optional, 1 small))
- 1½ cups water ((to pressure cook, 2 cups for IP, more to cook in pot))
Step 2
Pressure cook for 1 to 2 whistles on a medium flame. I pressure cook for only 1 whistle.
Image detailspressure cooking veggies for pav bhajiSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailsmash cooked veggiesSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Step 3
When the pressure releases open the lid. Veggies should be soft cooked. Mash them well.
Image detailsmelt butter in pan to make pav bhaji recipeSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailsadding onions to fry for pav bhajiSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Step 4
Heat 1 tablespoon butter & 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.
Image detailsfrying ginger garlic paste to make pav bhajiSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools4
Uses
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon butter ((to toast pav))
- 2 tablespoon butter ((divided between servings))
Step 5
Add ¾ to 1 cup chopped onions. Saute till they turn translucent.
Image detailsfrying bell pepperSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailsfrying tomatoes with masalaSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools2
Uses
- ¾ to 1 cup (125 grams) onions ((finely chopped, 1 medium))
- 2 to 4 tablespoon onions (Chopped finely)
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste and 1 green chilli. Fry until it smells good. Take care not to burn.
Image detailsadding masala powder to make pav bhaji recipeSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailsfrying masala until it leaves the panSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Visual cue
until it smells good.
Checks1
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil it smells good.
Expected state: until it smells good.
Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or chopped)
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 7
Add half cup chopped bell pepper. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
Image detailsadding water to adjust consistencySwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Checks1
TimingInfoTimingfor 2 to 3 minutes
Target: 2-3 minute
Expected state: Fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 8
Add ¾ to 1 cup chopped tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt. Fry till tomatoes turn mushy, soft and pulpy.
Image detailscook bhaji until it thickensSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools2
Uses
- ¾ to 1 cup (125 grams) tomatoes ((finely chopped, 2 medium ))
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step 9
Add 1 teaspoon chilli powder and 1 to 1½ tablespoon paav bhaji masala powder. If making for kids, skip the chilli powder but it will affect the color.
Step 10
Mix well and fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 11
Add the boiled & mashed veggies. Add ½ to ¾ cups more water to bring it to a consistency.
Image detailsheating butter on tawa to toast pavSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailstoasting buns for pav bhaji recipeSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Step 12
Mix well and simmer for a while to bring out the flavor of masala. Taste test and add more salt if you want. You can also add more chili powder at this stage for brighter color. Also for more flavor you may add more pav bhaji masala if you want.
Step 13
Add ¾ tablespoon kasuri methi. When it reaches the desired consistency, add chopped coriander leaves. switch off. Slightly cool down and add some lemon juice before serving.
Image detailsmelt butter in Instant potSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Checks1
HoldingMain recipeSource holding instruction
Add ¾ tablespoon kasuri methi. When it reaches the desired consistency, add chopped coriander leaves. switch off. Slightly cool down and add some lemon juice before serving.
Inputs and tools3
Uses
- ¾ tablespoon kasuri methi ((dried fenugreek leaves, optional))
- 1 Lemon ((sliced))
- 2 tablespoon coriander leaves
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 14
Slit the pav horizontally leaving one edge intact. On a low flame, heat 1 teaspoon butter on a tawa. Add little masala powder over it.
Image detailsonions and green chiliesSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailssauteed onionsSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Show 1 more media item
Image detailsginger garlic added to onionsSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoon butter ((divided between servings))
Step 15
Place the pav on the butter and toast for 1 to 2 mins until slightly crisp. Do not over do it as the spice powder will burn. You can do the same on the other side as well by adding more butter on the pan. Garnish with coriander leaves, lemon wedges and chopped onions. Top with more butter on hot bhaji. Serve pav bhaji with some butter topped and onion. Photo Guide
Image detailstomatoes bell peppers and salt in IPSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Visual cue
until slightly crisp.
Checks3
TextureInfoTextureuntil slightly crisp.
Expected state: until slightly crisp.
TimingInfoTimingfor 1 to 2 mins
Target: 1-2 minute
Expected state: Place the pav on the butter and toast for 1 to 2 mins until slightly crisp.
ServiceMain recipeSource service instruction
Place the pav on the butter and toast for 1 to 2 mins until slightly crisp. Do not over do it as the spice powder will burn. You can do the same on the other side as well by adding more butter on the pan. Garnish with coriander leaves, lemon wedges and chopped onions. Top with more butter on hot bhaji. Serve pav bhaji with some butter topped and onion. Photo Guide
Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoon butter ((divided between servings))
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 16
Press SAUTE button on the instant pot. Add oil and butter to the steel insert.
Image detailsadding masala to make pav bhajiSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference 
Image detailsvegetables for instant pot pav bhajiSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Show 1 more media item
Image detailsdeglaze the instant potSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoon butter ((divided between servings))
Step 17
Saute onions and green chili until the onions become transparent. Stir in ginger garlic and fry for 30 seconds.
Step 18
Add tomatoes, capsicum and sprinkle salt. Saute until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.
Step 19
Stir in pav bhaji masala, chilli powder and turmeric. Add all the veggies – potatoes, cauliflower florets, carrots and green peas. Pour 2 cups water (1x) and mix well at the bottom to deglaze the pot.
Image detailsmashing veggiesSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
Step 20
Press CANCEL button and press PRESSURE COOK button with high pressure setting. Set the timer to 5 mins and position the steam release vent to sealing.
Image detailsspice powders being added to pav bhajiSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Checks1
TimingInfoTiming5 mins
Target: 5 minute
Expected state: Set the timer to 5 mins and position the steam release vent to sealing.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 21
When the IP completes, it beeps, wait for 5 mins for natural pressure release. Gently release the rest of the pressure manually and open the lid.
Image detailsthick veggie mash in Instant potSwasthis Recipes · Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)Dev reference Checks2
TimingInfoTimingfor 5 mins
Target: 5 minute
Expected state: When the IP completes, it beeps, wait for 5 mins for natural pressure release.
HoldingMain recipeSource holding instruction
When the IP completes, it beeps, wait for 5 mins for natural pressure release. Gently release the rest of the pressure manually and open the lid.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
Step 22
There is plenty of liquid at this stage. With a masher, mash all the veggies well, they will soak up the excess liquid.
Step 23
Press SAUTE button. If needed add more salt, pav bhaji masala and more red chilli for a brighter color. I usually add ½ teaspoon more red chilli powder at this stage.
Step 24
Let the bhaji simmer for 3 to 4 mins, until thick. Then add add crushed kasuri methi and mix. Press cancel. Sprinkle coriander leaves and 1 tablespoon butter.
Step 25
Slit each bun to 2, horizontally, keeping one edge intact. Heat a pan. Smear some butter and sprinkle pav bhaji masala over the butter. (check images above) Toast the pavs until lightly crisp.
Step 26
Transfer bhaji to serving bowls. Top with butter & coriander leaves. Squeeze some lemon juice.
Step 27
Serve alongside toasted buns and freshly cut onions.
Learn More
Extra cooking notes, tests, and source details kept out of the step-by-step method.
Recipe structure
Components and intermediate outputs created by the method.
Main recipe
Recipe card ingredients and steps.
4
Garnish
Source step 15 creates or uses garnish.
Paste
Source step 6 creates or uses paste.
Extra useful notes
Short source-backed recommendations and facts that do not need a step.
To get a deep red color, soak 10 red chilies in half cup hot water until soft.
To get a deep red color, soak 10 red chilies in half cup hot water until soft. Then blend them to a thick paste with very little water in a small blender.
The street style dish is mostly made without cauliflower.
The street style dish is mostly made without cauliflower.
If you do not have pavbhaji masala, then you can make it by using the ingredients I mentioned in the intro of this post.
If you do not have pavbhaji masala, then you can make it by using the ingredients I mentioned in the intro of this post.
You can also replace pav bhaji masala with garam masala and more red chili powder.
You can also replace pav bhaji masala with garam masala and more red chili powder. But the flavor will be different.
Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!
Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!
More source notes
Useful article notes that do not need to interrupt the cooking method.
Nutrition
Calories 321kcal Carbohydrates 42g Protein 8g Fat 13g Saturated Fat 7g Cholesterol 30mg Sodium 666mg Potassium 568mg Fiber 6g Sugar 8g Vitamin A 1285IU Vitamin C 70.1mg Calcium 129mg Iron 4.4mg.
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Source and Origin
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Imported from the swasthis-recipes page for dev review.
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Pav Bhaji Recipe (Mumbai Street Style)
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