Pav Bhaji – A Popular Indian Street Food

Paav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food originating from Mumbai, India. It is a mouth-watering dish made from mashed vegetables served with soft bread called “Paav” and a spicy tomato-based sauce called “Bhaji”. This dish has become a staple food for people in India and is enjoyed by people of all ages. In this blog, we will discuss the origin, ingredients, and recipe of Paav Bhaji.

Origin of Paav Bhaji
Paav Bhaji is said to have originated in the 1850s in Mumbai when the city was undergoing massive industrialization. With an increasing number of people migrating to the city, the need for quick, cheap, and filling food rose. This is when the street vendors came up with the idea of making a dish using leftover vegetables and serving it with bread, which was a staple food for the people. This dish was an instant hit and soon became a staple food for the working-class population.

Ingredients of Paav Bhaji

The key ingredients of Paav Bhaji are:

Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, peas, capsicum, and cauliflower are the most commonly used vegetables for Paav Bhaji.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and amchur powder are used to add flavor to the Bhaji.
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are used to make the Bhaji sauce.
Butter: Butter is used to cook the vegetables and give the dish a rich and creamy texture.
Bread: Soft bread, called Paav, is used to serve with the Bhaji.
Recipe for Paav Bhaji
Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Paav Bhaji at home:

Ingredients:

2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 cup peas
1 capsicum, diced
1 small head of cauliflower, chopped
4 ripe tomatoes, pureed
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp amchur powder
2 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Soft bread, for serving

Instruction

In a large pot, heat the butter over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.
Add the diced vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, amchur powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the Bhaji simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are completely cooked and the sauce has thickened.
Use a potato masher to mash the vegetables until they are smooth and well combined with the sauce.
To serve, take a portion of Bhaji and place it on a plate. Serve with soft bread and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Conclusion

Paav Bhaji is a delicious and filling dish that is loved by people all over India. It is a perfect meal for those who are looking for a quick and easy dinner or for those who want to satisfy their street food cravings. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, Paav Bhaji is a dish that anyone can make