The Ultimate Homemade Pav Bhaji: A Flavorful Feast!

Hey there, food adventurer! Ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Mumbai right from your own kitchen? Making Pav bhaji at home isn’t just easier than you think—it’s way more satisfying than reaching for that takeout. Plus, you get to customize it with your favorite spices and veggies, making every bite bright with flavor.

Imagine velvety, mashable potatoes and tomatoes simmered to perfection, bursting with a punchy blend of spices and topped with buttery, toasted buns. The aroma alone is enough to make your stomach growl—who needs a street vendor, right? And don’t worry if you’re short on time; this recipe comes together fast using simple pantry staples.

Why not pair it with a fresh cilantro chutney or a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing? Or, if you’re feeling creative, whip up a batch of quick pickle or spicy onion rings to go alongside. So grab your apron—let’s get cookin’ and turn your kitchen into a mini Mumbai street!

Mumbai Pav Bhaji

A flavorful Indian street-style dish featuring mashed vegetables simmered with spices and served with toasted buns. The dish has a thick, hearty texture with a vibrant, spicy flavor, topped with butter.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups potatoes peeled and chopped
• 2 cups tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter for cooking and toasting buns
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds for tempering
• 1 teaspoon garam masala spice blend
• 2 teaspoons chili powder adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric for color and flavor
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 inch ginger piece grated
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
• to taste salt adjust as needed
• 4 buns pav buns buttered and toasted
• for garnish fresh cilantro chopped
• lemon 1 lemon wedge for squeezing

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Masher or fork
• Frying pan
• Toaster or skillet
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Chop potatoes, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables into small uniform pieces and measure out spices and other ingredients.
   
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add cumin seeds, and cook until fragrant and slightly darkened, about 1 minute.
   
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, with a sizzling sound.
   
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes, cook until they soften and mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes, watching for bubbling and reduced volume.
   
5. Add spices: turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt; cook for 1 minute, ensuring spices release aroma and blend well.
   
6. Add chopped potatoes and mixed vegetables; stir well, then pour in enough water to cover vegetables, simmer uncovered until vegetables are tender and mixture thickens, about 15-20 minutes, watching for bubbling and thickened consistency.
   
7. While bhaji simmers, slice buns in half and toast in butter on a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes, with sizzling sound and golden color.
   
8. Serve hot bhaji topped with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, with toasted buns on the side, finishing with a pat of butter on each bun for extra richness.
   

Notes

Adjust spice levels to taste. Serve immediately with optional chutney or lemon wedges for extra flavor.

And there you have it—your homemade Pav bhaji, ready to dazzle! Serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and some lemon wedges for that perfect finishing touch. Got any fun twists or tips? Share your creations and questions below—I love hearing your kitchen stories! Happy munching!