Paneer Pav Bhaji Recipe – A Wholesome Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome dish to prepare for dinner? The Paneer Pav Bhaji is the perfect choice! This variation of the popular Pav Bhaji adds the rich, creamy goodness of paneer (homemade cottage cheese) and a mix of wholesome vegetables, all cooked together in a pressure cooker. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that’s packed with protein and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The quick cooking process combined with the delicious blend of spices makes this dish a winner every time.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients for the Bhaji:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/2 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 4, peeled and diced |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1/2 cup |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, finely chopped |
| Pav Bhaji Masala | 2 teaspoons |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup, grated |
| Lemon | 1, juice |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients for the Pav:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pav Buns | 12 (substitute with hamburger buns) |
| Butter (Salted) | For toasting |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Small bunch, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Lemon | 1, juice extracted |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prep the ingredients:
Before you start cooking, chop the vegetables, grate the paneer, and have all your spices and other ingredients ready. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. -
Cook the Bhaji:
- Place a pressure cooker on medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt.
- Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions and peppers become soft and aromatic.
- Add the tomato puree, diced potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pav bhaji masala, and chaat masala powder. Stir everything together and cook for a few seconds.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the cooker, secure the lid, and cook for 5-6 whistles. This will make the vegetables tender and mushy.
- Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the lid once the pressure is released.
-
Mash the Vegetables:
After opening the cooker, mash the cooked vegetables with a potato masher until you get a smooth consistency. The vegetables should be soft and mushy. -
Add the Paneer and Seasoning:
- Add the grated paneer to the mashed vegetables and mix thoroughly.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and mix in the fresh coriander leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or lemon juice as per your preference.
-
Prepare the Pav:
- Heat a skillet or tawa on medium-high heat.
- Slice the pav buns in half and spread butter on the cut sides.
- Toast the buns on the skillet until they are golden brown and crisp.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the Pav Bhaji into serving bowls, and top with finely chopped onions and a drizzle of lemon juice.
- Serve the Pav Bhaji with the toasted pav buns. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this hearty Paneer Pav Bhaji with a refreshing Dahi Vada or a tangy Papdi Chaat for an even more satisfying dinner or to impress guests at a chaat party. The soft and crispy pav with the spiced, creamy bhaji is sure to be loved by everyone at the table.
Tips:
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can modify the amount of pav bhaji masala or chaat masala to make it more or less spicy, depending on your taste preferences.
- Paneer Substitution: If you don’t have homemade paneer, store-bought paneer will work just as well.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or beans to the bhaji mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the paneer with tofu or another vegan cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
Paneer Pav Bhaji is not just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that combines the richness of paneer with the wholesome goodness of vegetables, all wrapped up in soft, buttery pav. It’s a must-try dish that will make your weeknight dinners both easy and delicious! Enjoy!
