Pav Bhaji Spiced Vegetable Mash (Printable Version)
Spiced vegetable mash paired with buttered bread rolls, perfect for an authentic Indian comfort meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 cup cauliflower florets
03 - 1/2 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
05 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
07 - 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
→ Spices and Aromatics
08 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 1-inch ginger, grated
10 - 2 green chilies, finely chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
12 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
13 - 1 teaspoon red chili powder
14 - Salt, to taste
→ Other Ingredients
15 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
16 - 2 tablespoons butter, plus extra for toasting
17 - 8 pav bread rolls
18 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped, for garnish
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Boil potatoes, cauliflower, green peas, and carrot in a saucepan with salted water until vegetables are very soft. Drain and roughly mash; set aside.
02 - Heat vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
03 - Incorporate grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Stir in green bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes, softening slightly.
05 - Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala. Cook until tomatoes are very soft and oil visibly separates.
06 - Integrate mashed vegetables and salt. Mix thoroughly and further mash in the skillet using a potato masher. Adjust water to achieve a thick, slightly saucy consistency and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Correct seasoning if needed, then stir in half the fresh cilantro.
08 - Slice pav bread rolls horizontally and toast both sides on a griddle or frying pan with butter until golden brown.
09 - Serve bhaji hot, garnished with finely chopped red onion, remaining cilantro, and lemon wedges. Accompany with buttered pav rolls.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Relies on easy-to-find vegetables and popular Indian spices
- Can be made ahead and freezes beautifully
- Great for feeding a crowd or using leftover veggies
- Kids love customizing toppings and piling on butter
02 -
- Packed with vitamins and fiber thanks to all the veggies
- Naturally vegetarian and customizable for dietary needs
03 -
- Toast your spices in a dry pan before you add them to intensify the aroma
- Do not rush the simmering your bhaji will taste noticeably better with time
- Always mash directly in the pan to combine everything evenly