Cheesy Pav Bhaji Recipe
This vibrant and indulgent Cheesy Pav Bhaji is a delightful twist on the classic Maharashtrian street food, making it even more irresistible with the addition of melted cheese. Packed with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with a burst of spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite for both adults and children. Serve it with buttered pav (bread rolls) and a tangy onion salad for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for a home party or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) – cubed | 2 medium-sized |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) – small florets | 1/2 cup |
| Carrots (Gajjar) – finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Green beans (French Beans) – finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) – finely shredded | 1/2 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) – finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Ginger – grated | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic – grated | 3 cloves |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1 large |
| Tomatoes – finely chopped | 2 medium-sized |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pav Bhaji Masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheese (preferably processed or cheddar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course
- Course: One Pot Dish
Diet
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Heat Butter: Begin by heating butter in a pressure pan on medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts bubbling, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent. This will form a flavorful base for your bhaji.
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Sauté Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the freshly grated ginger and garlic to the onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears, releasing their aromatic essence.
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Cook Capsicum & Tomatoes: Now, add the finely chopped green bell pepper (capsicum) and sauté it for another 2-3 minutes until it’s half-cooked. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and become mushy. This will help in creating a smooth, rich texture for the bhaji.
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Add Vegetables & Spices: Next, add all the remaining vegetables: cubed potatoes, cauliflower florets, chopped carrots, green beans, cabbage, and peas. Stir them well with the cooked onion-tomato mixture. Once well mixed, add the red chilli powder, coriander powder, and pav bhaji masala. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the spices.
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Pressure Cook the Bhaji: Add 2 to 3 cups of water to the pressure pan, depending on the consistency you prefer for your bhaji. Stir again, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame for 3 whistles.
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Mash the Vegetables: Once the pressure has released, open the lid and use a potato masher to mash the vegetables into a smooth, chunky mixture. You can mash it to your desired consistency—some like it smooth, while others prefer it a bit chunky.
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Adjust Consistency: If the bhaji feels too thick, add an additional cup of water, stir well, and let it come to a rolling boil on medium heat. This will help achieve the perfect consistency for the bhaji.
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Add Cheese: Just before serving, grate cheese over the hot bhaji and stir it in. The cheese will melt beautifully into the vegetable mix, making the dish even richer and creamier.
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Serve: Serve your cheesy pav bhaji hot with buttered pav (bread rolls), onion salad, and lemon wedges on the side. For an extra refreshing touch, pair it with a glass of carrot, pineapple, and orange juice. This makes for a perfect meal for your next home party or a cozy family gathering.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Pav Bhaji
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add more vegetables based on your preferences. You can include peas, spinach, or even sweet corn for a twist.
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Cheese Options: While processed cheese or cheddar is most commonly used for pav bhaji, you can experiment with mozzarella for an extra gooey texture.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice tolerance. You can even add a little extra pav bhaji masala for a more intense flavor.
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Serving Tip: For a more authentic experience, toast the pav (bread rolls) with butter until golden and crispy on both sides. This adds a delightful crunch to the soft, cheesy bhaji.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 kcal |
| Protein | 5-6 g |
| Fat | 15-18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30 g |
| Fiber | 4-6 g |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
This Cheesy Pav Bhaji recipe is a delicious fusion of vegetables and spices, made even more indulgent with the addition of cheese. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual meal with family. Serve it with toasted pav for that authentic street food experience!
