Authentic Indian Bhaji Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of chopped mixed vegetables (potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, peas)
  • 2 large finely chopped onions
  • 2 large finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1 finely chopped green chili
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of pav bhaji masala
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
  • 8 pav buns
  • Additional butter for serving
  • 1 sliced onion for garnish
  • 1 sliced lemon for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  3. Add the crushed garlic and ginger to the pan and fry for a minute.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chili to the pan and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  5. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala and salt to the pan and stir well.
  6. Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and mix well. Cook until the vegetables are soft and mushy.
  7. Use a potato masher to mash the vegetables in the pan until they are completely blended with the spices.
  8. Simmer the vegetables on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Turn off the heat and garnish the bhaji with chopped cilantro.
  10. Heat a separate pan and add a little butter to it. Slice the pav buns in half and toast them on both sides in the butter.
  11. Place the toasted pav buns on a plate and serve with the bhaji, along with a side of sliced onions and a wedge of lemon.

Tools for making

  • Large Pan - A pan large enough to accommodate all the vegetables and spices.
  • Potato Masher - A utensil used to mash the cooked vegetables.
  • Knife - To chop the vegetables and onions.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Garlic Crusher - A tool used to crush garlic cloves.
  • Grater - To grate the ginger.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
  • Toaster or Stove - To toast the pav buns.
  • Plate - To serve the bhaji and pav buns.
  • Bowl - To hold the chopped cilantro.

Recipe variations

  • Use different vegetables such as carrots, beans, or corn for a varied flavor.
  • Add paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes to make it more filling.
  • Replace the pav buns with regular burger buns or dinner rolls.
  • Try using whole wheat buns for a healthier option.
  • Add a dash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
  • Add a teaspoon of garam masala for an extra layer of flavor.
  • For a vegan option, replace butter with oil or vegan butter substitute.
  • Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors, if desired.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs like cumin, coriander, or mint leaves to customize the taste.

Recipe overview

Bhaji is a popular Indian street food that's full of vibrant flavors and healthy vegetables. This delicious mixture of spiced vegetables cooked down into a curry is served with butter-toasted bread known as pav buns, adding a comforting, carb-y element to the dish. The recipe is quite simple and straightforward, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The blend of spices that are used in bhaji is unique, and it gives the dish its distinctive taste. The final touch of garnishing the bhaji with cilantro, serving with a side of crunchy sliced onions, and a wedge of lemon to squeeze on top adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish truly exceptional. So, get ready to dive into the process of making this flavorful and satisfying dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
    Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you don't have fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the pan.
  2. Can I use a different spice blend instead of pav bhaji masala?
    While pav bhaji masala adds a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with garam masala if needed.
  3. What can I serve with bhaji?
    Bhaji is traditionally served with pav buns, but you can also enjoy it with bread, roti, or even rice.
  4. Can I adjust the spice level?
    Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chili according to your preference for spiciness.
  5. Can I make bhaji ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the bhaji ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan - A large pan is needed to sauté the onions, cook the bhaji, and blend all the ingredients together.
  • Potato Masher - A potato masher is necessary to mash the cooked vegetables and create a smooth texture for the bhaji.
  • Separate Pan - A separate pan is needed to toast the pav buns.
  • Plate - The bhaji and pav buns can be served on a plate.
  • Knife - A knife is required to chop the vegetables, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is useful for chopping the vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula can be used for stirring the bhaji while cooking.
  • Lemon Squeezer - A lemon squeezer can be helpful to extract juice from the lemon wedge for serving.

Origin stories

Bhaji, a popular Indian street food, was birthed in the bustling bylanes of Mumbai during the 1850s. At the heart of this delectable dish is the spirit of Mumbai itself - vibrant, diverse, and perpetually on-the-move. The inception of Pav Bhaji was driven by necessity. The mill workers in Mumbai had little time for lunch, and they needed something that could be cooked quickly and eaten even quicker. A clever cook decided to mash together all the leftover vegetables from the previous day, added some spices, served it with a soft bread roll, and thus, Pav Bhaji was born. Today, this humble dish has crossed borders and is loved by food enthusiasts across the world for its satisfyingly deep flavors and comforting warmth. It is an ode to the city it comes from and a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of its people. So, the next time you enjoy this hearty meal, remember, you're having a taste of Mumbai's rich history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.