Joyously messy, and positively vibrating with gutsy taste, India’s beloved pav bhaji is an train in economic system. Constructed from frugal pantry staples like potatoes and onions and inexperienced bell peppers, this Mumbai street-style “sandwich” is the reply when it is advisable clear out the pantry or wish to feed a crowd on a dime.
Thought to have originated as a fast however filling and nutritious meal for Mumbai’s textile staff, pav bhaji has change into a revered Indian avenue meals virtually synonymous with Mumbai itself—maybe simply as iconic as Juhu Seaside and Bollywood. Distributors often arrange huge cast-iron griddles on transportable range tops roaring with hearth. The bhaji cooks within the middle whereas the pav (derived from the Portuguese pao) toasts in puddles of butter alongside the sides of the pan.
On this pav bhaji recipe, we improve the dish’s affordability, ease, and quickness by scaffolding the stewy filling with frozen greens, holding each the associated fee and prep time down. Its vivid pink coloration comes from a mixture of tomato paste and smoky paprika (you possibly can swap in additional conventional gentle Kashmiri chile powder in case you have it). Pretty much as good because the veggie combination is—with its lush risotto-like texture, daring spices, and wealthy, buttery taste—the ultimate garnishes are what make it glorious. The bathe of sharp, juicy uncooked chopped onions, contemporary cilantro, and a squeeze of lime (which we choose to lemon juice) is crucial. And at last, the buns. Toasted pav from a dry pan doesn’t do them any justice, so merely don’t forgo the step of griddling them in (an excessive amount of) butter.
Should you occur to have a field of premade pav bhaji masala powder, use 2–3 Tbsp. of that in lieu of the dry spices listed right here (add it together with the tomato paste).
For much more Indian snacks, strive our recipes for aloo chaat, Vada Pav, Dahi Puri, or Bombay Sandwiches.
Try meals editor Shilpa Uskokovic’s column, What a Steal, for extra extremely craveable recipes that avoid wasting $$$ alongside the best way.