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Spicy Pav Bhaji served with toasted buns and fresh cilantro
Spicy pav bhaji with vegetables and toasted bun

Spicy Pav Bhaji (Mumbai Street Food)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Main Courses
Born on the pulsing streets of Mumbai in the 1850s as a quick, nutritious lunch for textile mill workers. 'Bhaji' is a thick, spicy vegetable mash served with butter-toasted soft rolls called 'Pav'. The magic lies in the textures: mashing the vegetables allows them to absorb every drop of the spiced butter.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 45 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 480 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Indian, Mumbai Street Food

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Potato masher (essential for texture)
  • Wide, heavy skillet

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Wheat

Instructions

1 ✓

Boil vegetables in salted water until soft, drain, then mash them into a coarse puree with a potato masher.

Tip: Potato starch will naturally thicken the ragu. Don't puree completely smooth; keep some chunks!
2 ✓

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes, then cook until fat starts to separate at the edges.

Tip: Tomato acidity and umami provide the base flavor; oil separation indicates water has evaporated and flavors concentrated.
3 ✓

Sprinkle in spices (Masala, Chili), stir, then add the vegetable mash. Add a little water.

Tip: We 'bloom' spices in fat to release flavors, but be careful not to burn them!
4 ✓

Cook together for 10 minutes while continuously mashing and stirring in the pan to get a unified mass.

Tip: This technique helps emulsion (butter and veg juices becoming one).
5 ✓

Cut buns in half and toast the cut sides in butter in a pan.

Tip: The browning (Maillard reaction) and butter flavor are essential complements to the spicy ragu.
6 ✓

Serve ragu topped with extra butter, lime juice, and cilantro, alongside hot buns.

Tip: Lime juice adds freshness and cuts through the rich, buttery taste.

Recipe FAQ

What is Pav?
It's a Portuguese-style soft milk roll, very similar to a slider bun or dinner roll.
What if I don't have Pav Bhaji masala?
Garam Masala with a little extra coriander and chili powder is a good substitute.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Mixed Vegetables (Potatoes, Cauliflower, Peas, Carrots)
  • 6 tbsp Butter (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Pav Bhaji Masala
  • 1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika/chili mix)
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
  • 3 medium Tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped)
  • 8 pcs Pav buns (or slider buns/dinner rolls)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
  • 1 whole Lime