Hariyali Pav Bhaji Recipe
Hariyali Pav Bhaji is a flavorful and vibrant twist on the classic Mumbai street food. Packed with wholesome vegetables and a rich blend of spices, this version gets its vibrant green color from spinach, coriander, and bottle gourd, making it both healthy and delicious. Served with buttered pav (bread rolls), this is an ideal snack or light meal for any time of the day. Let’s dive into this fresh, herb-infused variation of the beloved pav bhaji!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pav buns (bread rolls) | As required |
| Sunflower oil | As required |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 5 leaves |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green chillies, finely chopped | 2 (adjustable for heat preference) |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Potato (Aloo), boiled and mashed | 1 medium-sized |
| Green peas (Matar), boiled | 1/2 cup |
| Bottle gourd (lauki), boiled and pureed | 1/2 medium-sized |
| Spinach leaves (Palak), pureed | 1/2 cup |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pav bhaji masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Butter | As required for roasting the pav |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves, finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
60 minutes
Total Time
75 minutes
Servings
4
Cuisine
Punjabi
Course
Snack
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base of the Bhaji:
- Begin by heating a generous amount of sunflower oil in a large wok or kadhai over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Add the curry leaves and asafoetida (hing), followed by the finely chopped green chillies. Stir for another 30 seconds to release the aromas.
- Now, add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for about 15 seconds until the raw smell dissipates.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn soft and translucent, around 4-5 minutes.
-
Cooking the Vegetables:
- Next, add the mashed potato to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, mixing it well with the onions and spices.
- After that, toss in the chopped tomato and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and break down.
- Now, add the bottle gourd puree, the boiled green peas, and the mashed potato. Pour in some water to adjust the consistency and start mashing everything with a potato masher to combine well.
- Allow the mixture to cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Adding the Spices and Greens:
- Add the following spices to the mixture: salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and pav bhaji masala. Mix everything together and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the vegetables.
- Stir in the spinach puree and the green chutney (coriander and mint). Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the bhaji reach a smooth, thick consistency. You can add more water if the mixture becomes too thick.
-
Roasting the Pav:
- While the bhaji is simmering, it’s time to prepare the pav (bread rolls). Heat a little butter on a flat pan over medium heat.
- Sprinkle some pav bhaji masala and finely chopped coriander leaves onto the pan. Slice the pav buns from the center and place them on the pan. Toast both sides until golden and crispy.
- Once done, add a dollop of butter on top of the buns while they are still hot to enhance the flavor.
-
Serving:
- Once the bhaji is ready, serve it hot with the buttered pav. Garnish the bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Optional: For a complete meal, pair the Hariyali Pav Bhaji with a refreshing glass of Masala Chaas (spiced buttermilk).
Pro Tips for Perfect Hariyali Pav Bhaji:
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner bhaji, simply add more water or vegetable stock while cooking. The consistency should be thick but not dry.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the quantity of green chillies and red chilli powder based on your spice tolerance. You can also add more green chutney for extra flavor.
- Freshness of Greens: Using freshly pureed spinach and bottle gourd is key to giving this dish its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Butter: Don’t skip the butter for roasting the pav—this gives it that authentic, indulgent flavor that makes the dish so comforting.
Conclusion:
Hariyali Pav Bhaji is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes with its rich green color and wholesome ingredients. The combination of mashed vegetables, spices, and fresh herbs makes this dish both healthy and indulgent. Paired with soft, buttery pav, it’s a perfect snack or light meal for any occasion. Enjoy this vibrant twist on the classic pav bhaji for your next weekday meal or evening snack!
