Each time you think about Maharashtrian cuisine, it does not take us more than a minute to think about fiery and lip-smacking pav bhaji. It is the crown jewel of Mumbai's street food fare. For the unversed, pav bhaji comprises two components - a pillowy 'pav' which is paired with a 'bhaji', a hearty mish-mash of vegetables and rustic spices finished off with a garnish of coriander leaves, a dollop of butter and a lemon wedge. The vegetarian marvel is perhaps one of the most indulgent ways to use up all your vegetable in stock, to make a thick and luscious curry with a signature orange-red hue. If you have never made pav bhaji in life, and yet always marvelled at the sheer genius of the dish, we have a recipe that will finally convince you to don that apron after all.
Also Read: How To Make Fiery Vada Pav Chutney Powder At Home (Recipe Video Inside)
Here are all the vegetables that commonly go into 'bhaji'. Sometimes, the vegetables also determine the colour of the final curry:
1. Potatoes: They are the easiest to cook and mash, they also soak in the masalas really well.
2. Lauki: Lauki (or doodhi) is also widely used in bhaji, it is in fact one of the best ways to eat the nutritious, in-season veggie.
3. Capsicum: Capsicums induce a nice crunch and peppery feel into your bhaji.
4. Onions: The hot and pungent flavour of onions instantly lift the flavour of the curry.
5. Tomatoes: Tomatoes impart a delicious tangy flavour, and also helps color give your bhaji a vivid, red colour.
Also Read:Pav, the Staple Bread of Mumbai: Pair it with Keema, Vada, Misal and More
6. Beetroot: It's earthy taste and bright colour also makes for a nice addition, it is completely optional to use beetroot though.
7. Cauliflower: Cauliflower has become a rage in the world of health and nutrition, make sure cut it finely so that it takes the masalas well and is mashed seamlessly.
8. Peas: Peas also helps uplifts texture and add body to the bhaji, peas are slightly sweet and earthy to taste, that serves as a nice departure from the spicy outpour of flavours.
Here is a step-by-step recipe of pav bhaji that you can try at home.
Remember, these are only few of the most popular veggies used in pav bhaji, you can experiment and add ingredients according to your will (Think: carrots, French beans, paneer, cheese).
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)