Mumbai Street Style Pav Bhaji Recipe - Authentic & Buttery

Recreate the magic of Mumbai's famous street food at home! This authentic Pav Bhaji recipe uses our Weekend Cooking Combo to deliver that signature street-style flavor with generous amounts of butter.

Ingredients

For the Bhaji (Vegetable Mash):

• 3 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 cup cauliflower (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 capsicum (finely chopped)
• 2 large tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 3-4 tbsp Phoran Pav Bhaji Masala (from Weekend Cooking Combo)
• 1 tsp Phoran Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 100g butter (yes, lots of butter!)
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges

For the Pav:

• 8 pav buns (ladi pav)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Boil potatoes, cauliflower, and peas together until soft. Mash them coarsely (some texture is good). Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Base

Heat oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add capsicum and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until they become mushy and oil separates (about 8-10 minutes). This is crucial for authentic flavor!

Step 3: Add the Magic - Pav Bhaji Masala

Add Phoran Pav Bhaji Masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the masala for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant. This step is where the authentic Mumbai flavor develops!

Step 4: Add Mashed Vegetables

Add the mashed vegetables to the masala. Mix well. Add 1-2 cups water to achieve desired consistency (it should be thick but not dry). Mash everything together using a potato masher while cooking. Cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: The Butter Finish

This is the Mumbai secret - add remaining butter (about 50g) and mix well. The bhaji should be glistening with butter. Garnish with coriander leaves and a dollop of butter on top.

Step 6: Prepare the Pav

Slice pav buns horizontally (don't cut through completely). Heat a tawa/griddle, add butter. Place pav buns cut-side down and toast until golden and crispy. Sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala on the buttered side.

Step 7: Serve Mumbai Style

Serve hot bhaji in a plate with a generous dollop of butter on top. Arrange toasted pav on the side. Serve with:
- Chopped onions
- Lemon wedges
- Extra butter (always!)

Pro Tips for Authentic Pav Bhaji

• Don't skimp on butter - It's what makes Mumbai pav bhaji special
• Mash while cooking - Use a potato masher to get the right texture
• Cook tomatoes well - Until oil separates for deep flavor
• Use Phoran Pav Bhaji Masala - Pre-balanced spices ensure authentic taste
• Toast the pav properly - Crispy, buttery pav is essential
• Serve immediately - Pav bhaji is best enjoyed hot

The Phoran Weekend Cooking Combo Advantage

Our Weekend Cooking Combo includes authentic Pav Bhaji Masala along with other street food masalas. Hand-blended by Deepa Shah, it captures the exact flavor profile of Mumbai's famous pav bhaji stalls. No need to buy 10 different spices - we've done the work for you!

Variations

Cheese Pav Bhaji: Add grated cheese on top of hot bhaji
Jain Pav Bhaji: Skip onions and garlic, add extra tomatoes
Paneer Pav Bhaji: Add cubed paneer in the last 5 minutes
Khada Pav Bhaji: Don't mash vegetables completely, keep them chunky

Make it a Complete Street Food Meal

Pair your pav bhaji with:
- Masala chai or cold drink
- Papad
- Extra chopped onions and lemon
- Sev for crunch (optional)

Leftover Ideas

- Use as sandwich filling
- Make pav bhaji pizza
- Stuff in parathas
- Mix with pasta for fusion dish

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy

Bring Mumbai's iconic street food to your kitchen! Order the Phoran Weekend Cooking Combo and enjoy authentic pav bhaji and other street food favorites at home.