The moment we think of the street-food scene in Mumbai, Pav Bhaji is the first snack that comes to our mind. Undoubtedly, the version of Pav Bhaji made by Mumbai’s roadside vendors has an inimitable charm. The steaming hot, tongue-tickling potato bhaji served with a squeeze of lime and chopped onions, along with buttery pav bread is an experience to remember and relish. However, the story just begins there.
The staunch fanfare that the yummy Pav Bhaji garnered led food-lovers and chefs across the world (including us) to experiment with the format and flavor of the original, leading to several interesting variants and ‘inspired’ dishes. The mouth-watering masala began to be used in dishes ranging from sandwiches to pulaos, while the format itself began to be innovated with to make delectable starters and handy sandwiches!
We have a mind-blowing range of 23 Pav Bhaji recipes, ranging from the authentic roadside fare, to homemade versions, Jain-friendly recipes, and Pav Bhaji innovations too…
In Mumbai, you don’t need to step into a restaurant to appease your hunger. The scrumptious Pav Bhaji and Tava Pulao served by the roadside vendors make a really delicious, filling and economical meal. Indeed, the Pav Bhaji is a dish that is popular with customers spanning different economic and cultural backgrounds. It is served at parties, in restaurants, small eateries as well as by roadside vendors. We don’t need to tell you why – you just need to try this perfect recipe to find out… Pav Bhaji
Although made at home in your own kitchen, this recipe will give you the same kick you get when you stand on the street-side and enjoy it with your friends.
Homemade Pav Bhaji
Everybody loves Pav Bhaji, and it is one of the popular snacks made in most homes. It is quite convenient and easy to make, but is quite filling. It may be served in small or large portions depending on the meal. You can serve it at parties, enjoy it as a weekend evening snack, or even have it for dinner on a weekday.
Some people assume that homemade Pav Bhaji cannot and will never taste as good as the restaurant ones. We can confidently argue against that opinion, and so can you, after you try this awesome recipe for home-cooked Pav Bhaji. The warmth on the palate, the tanginess of tomatoes, the scrumptious veggie interludes, indeed this mouth-watering dish is as good as anybody can make it.
What is more, it can even be made quickly and easily using a pressure cooker Pav Bhaji. The pressure-cooked version is ideal to make on weekday evenings after you are back from a busy day at work. Your family will be so happy to see their favorite dish on the table, while only you know how easy it was to make!
For those of you who are hardcore homemade food fans, we also share the perfect recipe for Homemade Pav Bhaji Masala. Homemade masalas have a fresh and vibrant flavor compared to store-bought ones. Plus, you can make in small batches as and when required, so that you always enjoy a fresh burst of flavor, just like a newly-opened packet!
Surprisingly, it is not too tough to make the pav also at home. We have two foolproof recipes – one using plain flour and the other, a healthier version using whole wheat. You can try the Whole Wheat Ladi Pav or Ladi Pav.
Now that you are so deep into the pav bhaji game, do try the popular Masala Pav also at home!
Jain Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji without potatoes – why not? Here are two delicious Pav Bhaji recipes that are made without potatoes, and can be enjoyed by our Jain friends too. One way of making Jain Pav Bhaji in using raw bananas, while the other – which is popular on Mumbai’s roadside – uses hara vatana Jain Pav Bhaji.
When hosting parties, it is good to include one or a few Jain-friendly dishes to make it convenient for everyone to partake of the food.
Pav Bhaji Snacks
Everyone loves the flavor of Pav Bhaji and can never have too much of it. So, beyond serving it for lunch or dinner, you can also sometimes make snacks with the popular Pav Bhaji touch. You can serve these at a party, or as evening tea-time snacks.
1. Pav Bhaji Toast
2. Pav Bhaji Sandwich
3. Pav Bhaji Burger
4. Instant Pav Bhaji Masala Toast
5. Ladi Pav Bhaji Toasts
These snack recipes are also great ways to use up leftover bhaji – what do you say?
Pav Bhaji Innovations
We can never have enough of this all-time favorite, but sometimes, when you are bored of making the same version, give it an innovative twist! A Pav Bhaji Fondue that’s oh-so-cheesy and bursting with myriad flavours, or Pasta with Pav Bhaji Masala, will thrill your loved ones! Chinese Pav Bhaji is a totally mind-blowing treat that packs an Oriental punch, while the Moong Sprouts Pav Bhaji offers a healthy route to culinary joy!
1. Pav Bhaji Fondue
2. Baked Pav Bhaji Pasta
3. Bhaji Pulao
4. Chinese Pav Bhaji
5. Pav Bhaji Khakhra
6. Pav Bhaji Dhokla
7. Moong Sprouts Pav Bhaji
Inspired by the ever-popular authentic Pav Bhaji, you can give most of your dishes, right from pulao and dhokla to khakhra the magical Pav Bhaji touch, which is so reminiscent of the pleasure of Mumbai’s roadside food.
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