Khada pav bhaji is a variation of pav bhaji where the chopped and cooked vegetables are kept intact, chunky and not mashed. A different and unique street food from Mumbai.
2 to 3tablespoonsbutter or oil- preferably amul butter
saltas required
wateras required
Instructions
Preparation
First take the chopped veggies, mainly: cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas and beans. Keep these in a pan or cooker. Now add water to the veggies just about covering them.
Pressure cook or boil the veggies for 1 to 2 whistles or till they are almost cooked. Do not over cook the veggies. Strain the veggies and keep the broth or stock aside.
In the meantime, when the vegetables are cooking, chop the onions, green chillies, ginger, tomatoes and capsicum.
In the mortar and pestle crush the remaining half ginger and garlic cloves. You can keep it coarsely crushed or make a fine paste. You could also use ready ginger-garlic paste.
Making khada pav bhaji
In a kadai or a big tava or skillet heat up 2 tablespoons of oil or butter. Add the onions and saute stirring often till they become transparent.
Add the chopped tomatoes, ginger, green chillies and capsicum. Saute for 7 to 8 minutes stirring in between.
Now add the red chili powder and turmeric powder. Mix the powders and saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add in the ginger garlic paste or crushed ginger garlic. Mix it and saute for 2 minutes more.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoon butter to the masala.
Add the boiled vegetables and the pav bhaji masala powder.
Add about 1 or 1.5 cups of broth or water or both broth+water. Gently mix the entire mixture.
Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes on a low heat. Keep checking the bhaji in between and give a stir often.
Now, add the garam masala powder and gently mix it with the rest of the bhaji.
Lastly, add chopped coriander leaves.
Your khada pav bhaji is ready now. Slice the pavs and fry them on the tava or griddle with some butter. Serve the bhaji topped with butter with the warm pavs, chopped onion and chopped lemon.
Garnish the bhaji with coriander leaves while serving.
Notes
This recipe can be scaled to make a small or a big batch.
You can alter the proportions of the vegetables used.
To make a spicy version add more green chilies and red chili powder.
For a wholesome meal serve with whole wheat pav or roti.
The vegetables can be steamed or cooked in a pan or Instant pot or stovetop pressure cooker adding water as required. However keep in mind to cook the vegetables until they are almost tender. Don't overcook them as later they can get mushy and pasty while cooking.