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Cooking

Speedy Pav Bhaji: A Taste of Home for Indian Students

28 September 2023
Anshuta

Anshuta

Indian students living away from home often find themselves longing for the comforting flavours of Indian street food, and one dish that tops the list is Pav Bhaji. While the traditional recipe might seem time-consuming, I have a quick and easy version that will have your Pav Bhaji ready in just 20-30 minutes. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that brings the joy of street food right to your student kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Cauliflower
  • Bell peppers
  • Beetroot (for colour)
  • Carrots
  • Peas
  • Corn
  • Beans
  • Alternatively, you can use a packet of frozen mixed vegetables
  • Broccoli
  • Salt
  • Red chili powder
  • Pav Bhaji masala
  • Coriander powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Sugar (for taste)
  • Butter
  • Buns
  • Coriander leaves (for garnish)
  • Lemon juice (for added zest)

Procedure:

  1. Prepping the Vegetables:
    • Begin by peeling and chopping the vegetables. You can use a mix of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, beetroot (for colour), carrots, peas, corn, and beans. If you prefer convenience, a packet of frozen mixed vegetables works just as well.
  2. Sauté in Butter:
    • In a pressure cooker, melt a knob of butter.
    • Sauté the chopped onions until they turn a lovely brown colour.
    • Add the tomatoes and continue sautéing until they become soft and mushy.
  3. Season It Right:
    • Now, it’s time to infuse those flavours. Sprinkle in red chili powder, salt, pav bhaji masala, a pinch of coriander powder, and a touch of turmeric powder.
    • Mix the seasonings thoroughly with the sautéed onions and tomatoes. This is where the magic begins!
  4. Add the Veggies:
    • Toss in the peeled potatoes and all the chopped veggies (or frozen mixed vegetables if using).
    • Sauté everything together for a few minutes until the vegetables are well-coated with the delicious spices.
  5. Pressure Cook and Mash:
    • Pour enough water into the pressure cooker to cover the vegetables.
    • Close the pressure cooker and let it whistle 4-5 times.
  6. Mash and Reheat:
    • Once the pressure cooker cools down, open it up and give the curry a good mash. Heat it up a bit to achieve the perfect consistency.
  7. Serve Your Delectable Pav Bhaji:
    • Your mouth-watering Pav Bhaji is ready to be served! Enjoy it with buttered buns, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra zing.

This speedy Pav Bhaji recipe is a delightful taste of Indian street food that you can enjoy without the hassle of a lengthy preparation. In just a short time, you can savour the rich and comforting flavours of mixed vegetables and aromatic spices. So, the next time you’re yearning for a taste of home, whip up this Pav Bhaji recipe and relish every bite. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy the essence of India, even while you’re away from home.