Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is one of India’s most beloved street foods, originating in Mumbai during the 19th century.
It offers steady energy while remaining light but satisfying.
A medley of mashed vegetables is cooked with fragrant spices to create its signature bhaji.
Soft butter-toasted pav rolls are the perfect companion for scooping up the flavorful curry.
Served with fresh onions, lemon, and cilantro, it’s a comforting meal enjoyed across India.
Ideal for maintaining a steady plant-forward lifestyle.

Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide

Olivia

Pav Bhaji

No ratings yet

Make authentic Pav Bhaji with mashed vegetables, Indian spices, and buttery toasted pav buns. A classic Mumbai street food recipe that\'s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 514

Ingredients Equipment Cooking Instructions Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups potatoes boiled and mashed
• 1 cup cauliflower florets steamed and mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup carrots diced and cooked
• 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water as needed
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• For Serving
• 8 pav buns or dinner rolls
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small red onion finely chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh cilantro chopped

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Frying Pan

$57.99 $47.99

Buy Now

07/21/2026 01:03 pm GMT

Large Deep Frying Pan

Cooking Instructions

 

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the bell pepper and tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes break down.
4. Add the tomato paste, Pav Bhaji masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir well.
5. Add the mashed potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and carrots.
6. Mash everything together while stirring to create a thick, smooth vegetable mixture.
7. Add water as needed and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.
9. Butter the pav buns and toast them in a skillet until golden.
10. Serve the hot bhaji with toasted pav, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 514kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 13gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 572mgPotassium: 1058mgFiber: 11gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3835IUVitamin C: 79mgCalcium: 211mgIron: 5mg

Notes

• Traditional Pav Bhaji masala gives the dish its authentic flavor.
• Mash the vegetables well for the classic smooth street-food texture.
• Add extra butter before serving for a richer, restaurant-style finish.
• Serve with cucumber salad or yogurt to balance the spices.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!