Pav Bhaji : An authentic street food

Pav Bhaji
“Pav” is a kind of soft bread which is accompanied by “Bhaji” i.e. a kind of mix vegetable. It is spicy and tangy. Pav bhaji is one of the most popular Indian street foods. Every pav bhaji has a unique taste. I’m sharing my version with you. Hope you like it.

Ingredients: For Pav Bhaji [6 servings approx.]
Gobhi (Cauliflower)-1/2  cut into florets(not too small)
Potatoes – 2 (peel and cut into halves)
Green bell pepper- 1 chopped
Carrots – 3 medium [cut into chunks]
Peas  – 1 cup
Onion -1 chopped
Fresh chopped Garlic -1/2 tbsp
Fresh chopped Ginger – ½ tbsp
Tomato – 1 medium (finely chopped)
Tomato puree – 2 tbsp
Green chili – 1 (cut into 4 pieces-lengthwise)
Cilantro -1 tbsp(finely chopped)
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Butter – 2 tbsp [optional ]
Pav [Bread] – 20 pieces approx.

Dry Spices:
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Mustard Seeds -1 tsp
Asafoetida (Hing) powder -1/4 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tbsp
Garam masala powder – ½ tsp
Pav bhaji masala – 1 tsp
Salt as per taste

Method:

• Cut the Gobi into florets and wash thoroughly. Keep in a colander for few minutes to drain all the water from the florets. Peel and cut potatoes as directed and keep aside. Cut bell pepper and carrots as directed.
• In the pressure cooker, cook potatoes, cauliflower, carrots and peas for 15 minutes with ½ cup of water. Mash the vegetables roughly.
• In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds and asafoetida powder. When it crackles, add chopped onions to it. Sauté for 2 minutes add chopped green chilies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, add chopped garlic and ginger mix well. Turn the heat to medium-low for 2 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and keep sautéing till the tomatoes are cooked. Add tomato puree and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Add mashed vegetables to the pan. Add all dry spices (turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder and salt). Mix well. Keep it half covered for few minutes and then mix again. Add pav bhaji masala for the perfect aroma.

Garnish:
Garnish with chopped cilantro, a lime wedge and finely chopped sweet onions.
Enjoy hot with pan toasted fresh pav[bread] and butter.