Pav bhaji, the vibrant and beloved Indian street food, is a culinary delight that perfectly marries frugality with flavour. Renowned chef Meera Sodha presents a straightforward recipe that transforms leftover vegetables into a comforting dish, ideal for any home cook seeking to whip up something special without fuss. This hearty mashed potato concoction, served with pillowy rolls, captures the essence of Mumbai’s bustling streets right in your kitchen.
A Staple of Indian Cuisine
Pav bhaji is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of creativity and resourcefulness. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to utilise whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether it’s the last few potatoes languishing in your pantry, a solitary carrot, or a handful of frozen peas, they can all be harmoniously blended into this delightful mash. The magic ingredient, however, is pav bhaji masala—a unique spice blend that elevates the dish to new heights.
While you can find various brands of this essential spice mix, including MDH, Everest, and Badshah, it’s important to adjust their quantities based on their salt content and potency. A little goes a long way in achieving that authentic taste, so proceed with caution—add a teaspoon at a time!
Step-by-Step to Culinary Perfection
**Ingredients:**
– 2 medium potatoes (250g), peeled
– 2 carrots (300g)
– ½ cauliflower, divided into florets (250g net)
– 1 tsp fine sea salt
– 120g salted butter
– 2 tbsp rapeseed oil
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 2 red onions, peeled and finely diced
– 4 fat garlic cloves, peeled and minced
– 400g passata
– ½ tsp kashmiri chilli powder
– 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala, or to taste
– 4 soft white rolls
**To Serve (optional):**
A squeeze of lemon, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh coriander.
**Method:**
1. Begin by roughly chopping the vegetables into 2cm cubes for the potatoes and carrots, and 4cm florets for the cauliflower. In a saucepan, bring a litre of just-boiled water to a simmer and add a teaspoon of salt. Introduce the potatoes and carrots, covering the pan, and boil for about 10 minutes. Add the cauliflower and continue boiling for an additional five minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Drain, reserving the cooking water.
2. Return the drained vegetables to the pan over a low heat. Mash them thoroughly, adding a few tablespoons of the reserved water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. In a separate wide pan, heat three tablespoons of oil and 50g of butter over medium heat. When hot, add the cumin seeds and onions, cooking for around 10 minutes until they soften and begin to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute before adding the passata. Let this simmer for 10 minutes, then incorporate the kashmiri chilli powder and a tablespoon of pav bhaji masala.
4. Fold in the mashed vegetables along with another 50g of butter. Mash together once more, and taste for seasoning. You might wish to add more masala or a touch of salt to perfect the flavour. Allow the mixture to cook for a couple of minutes until it’s well combined, glossy, and inviting.
5. To prepare the rolls, split them in half and heat a large pan to a high temperature. Add the remaining 20g of butter and lay the rolls cut-side down in the pan, toasting them until golden brown.
6. Serve the bhaji in the centre of the table with the warm, buttered rolls on the side. Enhance the experience with optional garnishes of lemon juice, diced red onion, and fresh coriander.
The Joy of Sharing
Pav bhaji is not just a meal; it’s an experience best enjoyed in good company. Gather friends and family around the table, encouraging them to scoop up the bhaji with the rolls, creating a convivial atmosphere reminiscent of Mumbai’s vibrant street food scene. The dish invites conversation, laughter, and of course, the joy of sharing good food.
Why it Matters
In a world where culinary innovation often comes at a premium, Meera Sodha’s pav bhaji recipe serves as a reminder of the joy found in simplicity and the art of resourcefulness. This dish not only champions the use of leftovers but also embodies the spirit of communal dining. As we seek to make our meals more sustainable, embracing recipes like this one highlights the importance of mindful eating—where each ingredient tells a story and every meal becomes an opportunity for connection.
