Green Pav Bhaji Recipe: A Healthier Twist on the Classic!
Description:
Pav Bhaji is a beloved street food in India, traditionally made by combining various vegetables and spicing them up with Pav Bhaji Masala. But what if we take this classic dish up a notch with the goodness of greens? Introducing Green Pav Bhaji! This version includes bottle gourd (lauki), spinach, and a punch of green chutney to create a lighter, healthier alternative to the regular pav bhaji. Not only will this delight your taste buds, but it will also be a nutritious treat for your family and friends.
Cuisine: Punjabi
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pav buns | As required |
| Oil | As required |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 5 leaves |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Green chillies | 2, finely chopped (adjustable) |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, boiled and mashed |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup, boiled |
| Bottle gourd (Lauki) | 1/2, boiled and pureed |
| Spinach leaves (Palak) | 1/2 cup, pureed |
| 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 (Salted) | As required |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
Preparation Time
| Time | 15 minutes |
|---|
Cooking Time
| Time | 60 minutes |
|---|
Instructions
-
Preparing the Bhaji Base:
Begin by heating oil in a wok or kadhai over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), and green chillies. Once the spices release their aroma, add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for 15 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil. -
-
Cooking the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the finely chopped onions and cook them until they soften and turn translucent. Add the tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, until they become soft and mushy. -
Mashing the Vegetables:
Stir in the boiled and mashed potatoes, along with the green peas. Now, add the pureed bottle gourd and spinach leaves, mixing everything together well. Add a little water to achieve the desired consistency and mash the mixture with a masher to break down the vegetables further. Let this cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. -
Spicing It Up:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and Pav Bhaji Masala. Stir everything to combine, allowing the spices to fully coat the veggies. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. -
Adding the Green Chutney:
Now, mix in the green chutney (a combination of coriander and mint) for a burst of freshness and an extra layer of flavor. Cook the mixture for another 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring everything is well-cooked and blended. -
Roasting the Pav Buns:
While the bhaji is cooking, heat a flat pan and melt some butter on it. Sprinkle a little Pav Bhaji Masala and finely chopped coriander leaves on the pan. Cut the pav buns in half and place them, cut-side down, on the pan. Roast them until both sides are crispy and golden. Add a little more butter on top once they are roasted to perfection. -
Serving:
Once both the bhaji and the pav are ready, serve the hot Hariyali Pav Bhaji with the roasted buns. For a truly satisfying meal, pair it with a glass of Masala Chaas for a refreshing finish.
Tips for the Perfect Green Pav Bhaji:
- Adjust the level of heat in the bhaji by controlling the number of green chillies used.
- If you want a richer flavor, add more butter to the bhaji while it cooks.
- For a more authentic taste, you can prepare your own Pav Bhaji Masala at home using a blend of roasted spices.
- Don’t skip the green chutney – it gives the dish a refreshing zing that perfectly complements the creamy mashed vegetables.
Conclusion
This Green Pav Bhaji offers all the joy and flavor of the original, with an added health boost from the greens. Whether you’re serving it as a snack or a wholesome meal, this twist on the classic dish will surely win over both your family and friends. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish for a delightful and nutritious treat!
