Cheesy Pav Bhaji Recipe
Pav Bhaji is a quintessential Mumbai street food that has captured the hearts of food lovers all over the world. It’s a spicy, tangy, and comforting vegetable mash served with butter-toasted pavs (buns). This Cheesy Pav Bhaji takes the classic dish up a notch with the addition of creamy cheese, creating a rich and indulgent experience. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a hearty meal, this cheesy delight is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: One Pot Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, cubed |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1/2 cup, cut into small florets |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Green beans (French Beans) | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1/2 cup, finely shredded |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, grated |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pav Bhaji masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Cheese | 2 tablespoons, grated |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Base: Begin by heating butter in a large pressure pan. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn translucent.
-
Add Aromatics: Stir in the grated ginger and garlic. Sauté until the raw aroma of the garlic dissipates.
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Vegetables: Add the finely chopped green bell pepper (capsicum) to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and begin to break down.
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Add Other Vegetables: Now, add the cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, green beans, cabbage, and green peas. Stir everything together to combine well.
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Seasoning: Sprinkle in the red chilli powder, coriander powder, and pav bhaji masala. Mix the spices into the vegetables and add 2 to 3 cups of water, depending on how thick or thin you prefer your bhaji. Season with salt to taste.
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Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for 3 whistles. After the pressure is released, open the lid and check the vegetables.
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Mash the Bhaji: Using a potato masher, mash the vegetables to your desired consistency. For a smoother bhaji, mash more thoroughly, or leave it a bit chunky for texture.
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Adjust Consistency: If the bhaji is too thick, add a cup of water and bring it to a rolling boil to achieve your preferred consistency.
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Add Cheese: Just before serving, grate the cheese over the hot bhaji. The cheese will melt into the mixture, creating a creamy, rich texture.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve the Cheesy Pav Bhaji hot with buttered, toasted pav (buns) on the side. Pair it with onion salad, lemon wedges, and a refreshing Carrot Pineapple Orange Juice for the perfect meal.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Pav Bhaji:
- Cheese Variety: You can use processed cheese for a smooth melt, or try cheddar or mozzarella for a stronger flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add or omit vegetables based on your preference. Some variations include peas, corn, or even zucchini.
- Pav Toasting: For the perfect pav, toast them in butter until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to control the spice level to your taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Cheesy Pav Bhaji is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the flavors of Mumbai’s streets right to your kitchen. The richness of the cheese combines beautifully with the spicy and tangy bhaji, making every bite utterly delicious. Perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or weekend snacks, this dish never fails to impress. Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Pav Bhaji with the ones you love, and treat yourself to a taste of Mumbai’s street food culture.
