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Pav Bhaji

Name: Vegan Pav Bhaji
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Vegan Butter, or use Coconut Oil; 1 large Onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 inch Ginger, grated; 3 medium Potatoes, boiled and mashed; 2 large Tomatoes, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji Masala; 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder; 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder; Salt, adjust to taste; 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, Peas, Bell Peppers); 1/2 cup Cauliflower florets, finely chopped; Freshly chopped Cilantro; 8 Pav Buns, or use Dinner Rolls

A spiced curry made with mashed potatoes, veggies, and spices is served with toasted buns.

Dinner

Indian

Soy-Free

Sugar-Free

Nut-Free

Introduction

Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food that combines a well-spiced vegetable curry with soft, buttered buns. At its core, the dish features mashed potatoes mixed with a medley of vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and cauliflower, all cooked in aromatic spices until they form a harmonious blend.

The key to an authentic Pav Bhaji lies in its spice blend - Pav Bhaji masala, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor. This is enhanced by the addition of basic Indian spices like turmeric and red chili powder, along with fresh aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions. The vegetables are cooked until tender and mashed to create a thick, spreadable consistency.

The 'Pav' element of this dish refers to the soft buns that are traditionally served alongside the vegetable curry. These buns are split and toasted with butter until golden brown, providing a delightful contrast in texture to the smooth curry. While butter is traditional, this recipe offers a vegan variation using coconut oil or vegan butter.

This recipe is highly adaptable - you can adjust the spice levels, swap vegetables based on availability, and even prepare it in advance. The bhaji keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for longer storage, making it a practical option for meal planning.

The dish comes together in about 30-40 minutes, requiring basic cooking techniques like sautéing and mashing. While it's traditionally served as street food, it makes for a satisfying home-cooked meal that can work as either lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons Vegan Butter, or use Coconut Oil
1 large Onion, finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 inch Ginger, grated
3 medium Potatoes, boiled and mashed
2 large Tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji Masala
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
Salt, adjust to taste
1 cup Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, Peas, Bell Peppers)
1/2 cup Cauliflower florets, finely chopped
Freshly chopped Cilantro
8 Pav Buns, or use Dinner Rolls

Instructions

Sauté Onions: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of vegan butter. Sauté 1 large finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes, or until translucent.
Add Aromatics: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
Cook Tomatoes: Add 2 large finely chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until soft. Mash them to create a smooth base.
Add Spices: Mix in 2 tablespoons of Pav Bhaji masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.
Cook Vegetables: Add 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) and 1/2 cup finely chopped cauliflower florets. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender.
Mix Potatoes: Add 3 medium boiled and mashed potatoes. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Final Seasoning: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegan butter (or coconut oil). Turn down the heat to low, and let the Bhaji simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Toast Buns: Meanwhile, slit 8 Pav buns horizontally without cutting them entirely. Toast them with vegan butter/coconut oil until golden.
Serve Dish: Ladle the Bhaji onto a plate, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve alongside the buttery Pav buns.

Recipe Notes

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables in the bhaji. You can use other vegetables like green beans, corn, or zucchini based on availability or personal preference.
Spice Level: The recipe can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder or skip the chili altogether.
Butter Substitution: While traditional Pav Bhaji uses butter for a rich flavor, you can substitute with coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free or lighter version.
Pav Buns: For the best texture, use soft, pillowy buns. If you can’t find pav buns, dinner rolls or burger buns will work as a substitute.
Consistency of Bhaji: If the bhaji is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. It should be thick but still spreadable.
Make Ahead: The bhaji can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving. It also freezes well for up to 1-2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pav Bhaji without the Pav buns?

Yes, you can serve the bhaji with any soft bread of your choice, such as dinner rolls or even a side of naan. It’s traditionally served with pav buns, but other bread options work just as well.

Can I make the bhaji spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy heat, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add some finely chopped green chilies when cooking the onions and garlic.

Can I make Pav Bhaji without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil, olive oil, or any other oil of your choice. This will make it vegan or lighter while still retaining the rich flavor.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, especially peas and carrots, to save time. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained before adding them to the pan.

How can I make the dish oil-free?

To make the dish oil-free, omit the butter or oil entirely, and use water or vegetable broth to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger. The bhaji will still be flavorful without the added fats.

Is Pav Bhaji gluten-free?

Unfortunately, traditional Pav Bhaji is not gluten-free due to the pav buns, which are made from wheat flour. You can substitute with gluten-free buns to make the dish gluten-free.