How to Make Pav Bhaji Masala at Home from Scratch | Mumbai street style traditional pav bhaji recipe

Pav Bhaji is one of Mumbai’s most beloved street foods, known for its rich flavors, buttery texture, and delicious spice blend. Whether you want to enjoy traditional street-style Pav Bhaji with homemade spices or a healthy, low-calorie version, making this dish at home is easier than you think. In this article, explore how to make quick and easy restaurant-style Pav Bhaji at home, the secret ingredients that enhance its flavor, and the vegetables used for authentic Pav Bhaji.

What is Pav Bhaji Made Of?

Pav Bhaji consists of two main components:

1. Bhaji (Vegetable Mash) – A spicy, flavorful mix of mashed vegetables cooked with butter and Pav Bhaji masala, a special spice mix that helps to enhance flavours.
2. Pav (Bread Rolls) – It’s soft, butter-toasted buns that complement the bhaji.

The dish is garnished with onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.

Which Vegetables Are Used to Prepare Pav Bhaji?

Authentic Pav Bhaji is made using a variety of vegetables to create its unique taste and texture. The key vegetables used for authentic Pav Bhaji include:

• Potatoes – Provide a creamy and starchy base.
• Tomatoes – Add tanginess and depth.
• Cauliflower – Enhances texture.
• Green Peas – Bring a touch of sweetness.
• Capsicum (Bell Peppers) – Add a mild spice and smoky flavor.
• Carrots – Contributes natural sweetness and color.

You can also add beetroot for color or spinach for a healthier twist.

How to Make Pav Bhaji Masala at Home from Scratch

Pav Bhaji’s signature taste comes from its spice blend. Instead of store-bought masala, you can prepare homemade Pav Bhaji masala using the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Pav Bhaji Masala:( 1 cup )

• 1/4 Cup Cumin Seeds / Zeera
• 2 tbsp Fennel seeds / Saunf
• 1 tbsp Coriander Seeds / Sabut Dhaniya
• 1 tbsp Mace / Javitri
• 1 tbsp Black Pepper / Sabut Kali Mirch
• 2 Black Cardamom / Badi Elachi
• 3 star Anise / Chakriphool
• 1 small Nutmeg / Jaiphal
• 5 Cinnamon sticks / Dalchini
• 6 Dry Red Chillies / Sookhi Lal Mirch
• 2 tbsp Dry Mango powder / Aamchur powder
• 1 tbsp Dry Ginger powder / Saunth
• 1 tbsp Black Salt / Kala Namak
• 1 tsp Turmeric/ Haldi

Method

1. Dry roast coriander, cumin, fennel, and dried chilies on low heat until aromatic.
2. Let them cool, then grind into a fine powder.
3. Mix with the remaining ingredients and store in an airtight container.

This homemade masala adds an authentic street-style flavor to your bhaji.

Video Pav bhaji recipe

You can check out few more Appetizer recipes – Sooji Medu Vada, Golguppa, Eggless Onion Rings, Bhakarwadi,Matar Puri

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• Low Fat Recipes
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• Breakfast

Secret Ingredient of Pav Bhaji Recipe

The secret ingredient that elevates Pav Bhaji’s taste is a small cube of butter added at the end. This enhances its creamy texture and gives it the signature Mumbai street food flavor. Adding kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a subtle earthiness. and of course it’s also the Pav bhaji masala.

Cheese Pav Bhaji – A Delicious Twist

For a creamy variation, try Cheese Pav Bhaji. Simply prepare the bhaji as usual and top it with grated cheese before serving. The cheese melts into the bhaji, making it even richer and more indulgent.

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How to Make Quick and Easy Restaurant-Style Pav Bhaji at Home

Now that we have our masala ready, let’s move on to preparing Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji recipe at home.

Ingredients: ( Serves 5 )

• 1 tbsp Oil
• 1 Cup chopped Onion / Pyaz
• 1/2 tsp each Ginger & Garlic Paste
• 1 +1/2 cup diced Potatoes / Aloo
• 1/2 Cup Carrot / Gajjar
• 1 Cup Cauliflower florets / Ghobie
• 1/2 Cup Peas / Matar
• 1/2 Cup Capsicum / Shimla Mirch
• Salt to taste
• 2 Cup chopped Tomatoes / Tamatar
• 1-2 tsp kashmiri Red Chilling powder / Lal Mirch
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric / Haldi
• 2 Cup Water
• Bun Roll / Pav
• Buttter as much required
• 2 tsp Pav Bhaji Masala & 1/2 tsp for sprinkling
• 2 tbsp Dry Fenugreek/ Kasoori Methi
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice / Nimbhu Raas
• 1 tbsp Chopped Coriander leaves / Hara Dhaniya

Instructions:

1. In the pressure cooker take Oil and then add the chopped Onions. Sauté the Onions for about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Now add Garlic & Ginger Paste ,Sauté again for couple of minutes before adding Potatoes,Cauliflower florets, chopped Carrot,Peas,Capsicum and Salt 
3. Sauté all of these again for about 5 min.
4. Then add Tomatoes,Red chilli powder and Water.
5. Pressure cook for about 7 min.
6. Now mash the bhaji with a crusher and add to it Dry Fenugreek,Fresh Green Coriander,Lemon juice and Pav Bhaji Masala. YT
7. Give it one boil and then put off the heat.
8. Prepare the Pav or the Bread roll by slitting it into half and then roast it in Butter till crispy and golden sprinkling Pav Bhaji Masala over it.

How to Make Homemade Healthy Low-Calorie Pav Bhaji

For a lighter version of this dish, follow these tips:

• Use less butter or replace it with olive oil.
• Replace white pav with whole wheat or multigrain buns.
• Add more fiber-rich vegetables like spinach and carrots.
• Use low-fat cheese if making cheese pav bhaji.

This way, you can enjoy Pav Bhaji guilt-free without compromising on taste.

When Is Pav Bhaji Eaten – Dinner, Lunch, or Breakfast?

Pav Bhaji is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

• Lunch/Dinner: It is commonly eaten as a main course.
• Breakfast/Brunch: Some people enjoy it as a heavy, flavorful breakfast.
• Evening Snack: It is a popular choice for an evening meal, especially at street food stalls.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make Pav Bhaji masala at home from scratch and the perfect Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji recipe, you can prepare this classic dish anytime. Whether you prefer traditional street-style, cheese Pav Bhaji, or a low-calorie homemade version, there’s a Pryone. So, grab your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy this delicious and comforting meal.