History and origin of Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food that originated in Mumbai in the 1850s. It was originally created as a quick and easy lunch option for textile mill workers. The dish is made up of a mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft bread rolls (pav). Over the years, Pav Bhaji has become a beloved dish across India, and it is now served in restaurants and street stalls all over the country.
One of the reasons for Pav Bhaji's popularity is its versatility. The dish can be customized with a variety of toppings, including diced onions, lemon wedges, and cilantro, to name a few. It's also easy to make in large batches, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
To make Pav Bhaji, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced - 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas - 2 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, grated - 2 green chilies, finely chopped - 1 tsp cumin seeds - 1 tsp coriander powder - 1 tsp turmeric powder - 1 tsp red chili powder - 2 tsp Pav Bhaji masala - Salt, to taste - 2 tbsp vegetable oil - 4-6 pav (bread rolls) - Butter, for toasting the pav
Instructions
1. Start by boiling the diced potatoes until they are soft. Drain the water and mash the potatoes using a fork or potato masher. Set aside. 2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. 3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent. 4. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute or two. 5. Add the finely chopped bell pepper and green peas. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are cooked. 6. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and sauté until they are soft. 7. Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Pav Bhaji masala. Mix well and cook for a minute. 8. Add the mashed potatoes and mix well. Add salt to taste and cook for a few minutes until the bhaji is hot and bubbly. 9. In the meantime, slice the pav in half and toast them with butter on a griddle or a pan until they are golden brown. 10. Serve the hot bhaji with the toasted pav and your favorite toppings.
Tips and variations
- You can add any vegetables of your choice to the bhaji, including cauliflower, carrots, and beans.
- If you don't have Pav Bhaji masala, you can make your own by mixing together coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala.
- To make the bhaji spicier, you can add more green chilies or red chili powder.
- To make the bhaji creamier, you can add a spoonful of butter or cream at the end. - To make the dish healthier, you can use whole wheat pav instead of regular pav.
Conclusion
Pav Bhaji is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for satisfying your cravings. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal that will impress your taste buds and your guests. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch option or a crowd-pleasing dinner party dish, Pav Bhaji is sure to delight everyone who tries it. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!
