Homemade Pav Bhaji in Minutes: Instant Pot’s Secret Recipe

The Origins of Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji traces its roots to the streets of Mumbai, India’s financial capital. It became a quick and fulfilling meal for textile mill workers in the late 19th century. Over time, it evolved from a humble lunch option into a beloved street food delicacy enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

What Is Pav Bhaji?

Pav Bhaji is a spicy vegetable curry with soft, buttered bread rolls called “pav.” The curry is a rich medley of mashed vegetables, typically including potatoes, peas, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all cooked with a fragrant blend of spices. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience.

The Making of Pav Bhaji

1. Vegetable Medley

The magic of it begins with a mixture of boiled and mashed vegetables. These veggies are cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is seasoned with spices, like cumin, coriander and red chilli powder. The outcome is a fragrant curry that has a kick to it.

2. The Pav

The soft, buttered pav is a crucial component of this dish. It’s usually lightly toasted on a griddle, allowing the butter to melt and soak into the bread, imparting a rich, buttery flavour.

3. Garnishes Galore

PavBhaji is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves, a dollop of butter, and a squeeze of lemon juice, enhancing the already bold flavours of the dish.

Here’s a step-by-step Pav Bhaji Recipe along with the list of ingredients:

Ingredients:

 For the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):

– 3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

– 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

– 1 large bell pepper (capsicum), chopped

– 2 large tomatoes, chopped

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

– 2-3 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

– 1 tablespoon oil

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (modify according to taste)

– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1 tablespoon pav bhaji masala

– Salt to taste

– Water as needed

– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

– Lemon wedges for serving

 For the Pav (Bread Rolls):

– 8 pav (small bread rolls)

– Butter for toasting

Instructions:

Preparing the Bhaji (Vegetable Curry):

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes and green peas in a pressure cooker. Add water and a pinch of salt. When the potatoes are tender and mashable, pressure cook for another two to three whistles.

2. Mash the Vegetables: Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes and peas together. Set aside.

3. Cooking the Bhaji: Heat oil and butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

4. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chillies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

5. Add Onions: Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and lightly browned.

6. Add Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: Add the chopped bell pepper (capsicum) and cook for a few minutes until it softens. The tomatoes should then be added and cooked until they are mushy and tender.

7. Spice It Up Salt, pav bhaji masala, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder can be added.

 Mix well and cook for a few minutes to allow the spices to blend.

8. Add Mashed Vegetables: Add the mashed potato and pea mixture to the pan. Mix everything together.

9. Mash and Simmer: Use a masher or the back of a spoon to mash the vegetables while they cook. To reach the correct consistency, add a little water. When the bhaji thickens and the flavours come together, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.

10. Garnish: Garnish the bhaji with some lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves to complete the dish. Set aside.

Preparing the Pav (Bread Rolls):

1. Slice the Pav: Slice the pav (bread rolls) horizontally, keeping them connected on one side.

2. Toast the Pav: Add butter to a griddle or pan. Place the pav on the griddle cut side down. Toast until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Serving PavBhaji:

Serve the hot PavBhaji with the toasted pav, some additional butter on top, and a wedge of lemon. Enjoy this delicious street food dish with friends and family!

This recipe yields approximately four servings of PavBhaji. Adjust the spice level and garnishes according to your preference.

An Instant Pot Recipe for Pav Bhaji: A Delicious Indian Street Food Delight

In Indian street food, few dishes can match the lip-smacking goodness of pavbhaji. This delightful blend of spiced vegetables served with buttery rolls is popular among food enthusiasts. But what if we told you that you can recreate this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen using an Instant Pot? Here, I’ll show you the step-by-step process of making pav bhaji in an Instant Pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need(Pav Bhaji Instant pot)

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this tasty dish:

 For the Bhaji:

– 2 cups of mixed vegetables (potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers)

– 4 large tomatoes, finely chopped

– 1 large onion, finely chopped

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

– 2-3 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

– 1 tablespoon of pavbhaji masala

– 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder

– 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder

– Salt to taste

– 2 tablespoons of butter

– 2 tablespoons of oil

– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

 For the Pav:

– 6 pav buns

– Butter for toasting

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the oil and butter.

2. Once you have grated the ginger and garlic, add them to the dish and cook until they release a pleasant aroma.

3. Then add the finely chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

 Step 2: Add the Vegetables

4. Add the mixed vegetables (potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers) to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.

 Step 3: Spice It Up

5. Stir in the pavbhaji masala, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix finely to coat the vegetables with the spices.

 Step 4: Pressure Cook

6. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and give everything a good mix. The tomatoes will release moisture, creating a delicious base for your bhaji.

7. Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode and close the Instant Pot with the lid.

8. Adjust the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and cook for 4-5 whistles or until the vegetables are tender.

 Step 5: Mash and Simmer

9. After the pressure has naturally released, open the lid and use a potato masher to create a thick, luscious bhaji consistency from the vegetables.

10. If your bhaji is too thick, add some water to achieve your desired consistency.

11. Simmer the bhaji on ‘Sauté’ mode for a few more minutes to let the flavours meld together.

 Step 6: Toast the Pav

12. Cut the pav buns into halves horizontally while your bhaji is simmering.

13. Heat a griddle or a pan, add some butter, and toast the pav buns until they are golden brown and crispy.

 Serving Your Delicious PavBhaji

Once your pav bhaji and pav buns are ready, it’s time to serve this delightful Indian street food.

– Plate your bhaji, garnish it with fresh coriander leaves, and add a dollop of butter on top.

– Serve the hot pav bhaji with the toasted pav buns, some chopped onions, and a slice of lemon.

– Remember to enjoy it with your favourite beverage, a sweet mango lassi or a refreshing nimbu pani.

Preparing pav bhaji in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to enjoy this beloved Indian street food at home. With the right ingredients and these easy-to-follow steps, you should treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious meal with flavours. So, why wait? Fire up your Instant Pot and savour the deliciousness of homemade pav bhaji today!

Where to Find Pav Bhaji Near Me

The beauty of Pav Bhaji lies not only in its taste but also in its accessibility. You can find it in virtually every Indian city, from street-side stalls to restaurants. Mumbai, especially, offers a plethora of iconic PavBhaji joints that have become legendary for their versions of this dish.

Certainly! If you’re looking for restaurants in the USA that serve delicious pav bhaji, here are a few recommendations in different cities:

1. New York City, New York:

   – Shiv Sagar: This restaurant in Manhattan offers authentic Indian street food, including pav bhaji.

   – Pongal: This South Indian restaurant in Midtown Manhattan serves a variety of dishes, and their pav bhaji is a must-try.

2. San Francisco, California:

   – Udupi Palace: Located in the heart of San Francisco, this restaurant serves vegetarian South Indian cuisine, and their pav bhaji is a popular choice.

   – Vik’s Chaat Corner: Situated in Berkeley, Vik’s Chaat Corner is known for its chaats and street food, including pav bhaji.

3. Los Angeles, California:

   – Biryani Factory: This restaurant in Artesia, also known as Little India, offers a diverse menu of Indian dishes, including pav bhaji.

   – Annapurna Cuisine: Located in Culver City, this restaurant serves a range of Indian street food, and their pav bhaji is highly recommended.

4. Chicago, Illinois:

   – Hema’s Kitchen: With multiple locations in Chicago, Hema’s Kitchen serves Indian cuisine, and their pav bhaji is a flavorful option.

   – Mysore Woodlands: Located in West Rogers Park, this restaurant offers a variety of South Indian dishes, including pav bhaji.

5. Houston, Texas:

   – Shri Balaji Bhavan: This restaurant in Katy, Texas, specializes in South Indian cuisine and serves delicious pav bhaji.

   – Biryani Factory: With a location in Houston, Biryani Factory is known for its Indian street food, including pav bhaji.

6. New Jersey:

   – Rajbhog Cafe: This restaurant with various locations in New Jersey offers a range of vegetarian Indian dishes, including pavbhaji.

   – Sukhadia’s: Located in Iselin, Sukhadia’s is known for its Indian sweets and snacks, serving pav bhaji.

When visiting these restaurants, check their operating hours and any dine-in or takeout options, as they may vary. Enjoy your pav bhaji dining experience in the USA!

Why Pav Bhaji Is a Must-Try

 1. Explosive Flavors

Pav Bhaji is a flavour explosion in your mouth. The spicy, tangy, buttery notes make it an irresistible treat.

 2. Versatility

The meal can be altered to fit your spice tolerance level. Adjust the heat level by adding extra chilli or mellow it down with a generous helping of butter.

 3. Vegetarian Delight

For vegetarians, Pav Bhaji is a hearty and satisfying alternative to meat-based dishes. The medley of vegetables provides ample nutrition.

 4. Street Food Experience

Eating Pav Bhaji from a street vendor’s cart is an authentic experience that allows you to immerse yourself in India’s vibrant street food culture.

Pav Bhaji is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends boundaries and brings people together through the joy of food. If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favour and seek out this masterpiece while visiting an Indian restaurant or street food stall. It’s a journey your taste buds will remember.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Pav Bhaji?

   – Pav Bhaji is a famous Indian street food dish with a spicy vegetable curry served with soft, buttered bread rolls known as “pav.”

2. What are the critical ingredients in Pav Bhaji?

   – The main ingredients include mashed vegetables (potatoes, peas, tomatoes, bell peppers), spices, and buttered pav (bread rolls).

3. Where did PavBhaji originate?

   – Pav Bhaji was initially created on the streets of Mumbai, India, as a fast and satisfying meal for workers in textile mills.

4. How can I customize the spice level of Pav Bhaji?

   – You can adjust the spice level of Pav Bhaji by adding more chilli if you prefer it spicier or by adding extra butter to mellow it down.

5. Is Pav Bhaji a vegetarian dish?

   – Yes, It is a vegetarian dish, making it a popular choice for vegetarians in India and around the world.