Paneer Pav Bhaji Recipe – Wholesome Weeknight Dinner
Paneer Pav Bhaji is a mouthwatering North Indian delight that combines a rich and spiced vegetable mash with soft, buttered pav buns. The addition of paneer (cottage cheese) makes it a protein-packed version of the classic Pav Bhaji, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome and satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe is full of flavors, textures, and the kind of warmth that makes it a favorite in Indian cuisine. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 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 extracted |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pav Buns (or Hamburger Buns) | 12, for serving |
| Butter (for toasting) | As needed for toasting the buns |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Small bunch, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped, for serving |
| Lemon | 1, for serving |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Protein | 12-15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50 g |
| Fat | 12-15 g |
| Fiber | 5-6 g |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetable Base
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by prepping all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, carrots, and cauliflower. Grate the paneer and set it aside. You’ll need to have everything ready to go, as this recipe moves quickly.
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Cook the Vegetables: Place a pressure cooker on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and sizzle gently. Once melted, add the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent, and the capsicum begins to soften as well.
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Add the Spices and Vegetables: Once the onions and capsicum are soft, add the homemade tomato puree, diced potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and a generous 2 teaspoons of pav bhaji masala. Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of chaat masala powder, and stir for a few seconds to let the spices coat the vegetables.
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Pressure Cook the Vegetables: Add about 1/2 cup of water to the pressure cooker, ensuring that the vegetables are partially submerged. Close the lid and cook for 5-6 whistles, or until the vegetables become soft and mushy. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Bhaji
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Mash the Vegetables: Once the pressure has been released, open the cooker and mash the vegetables thoroughly with a masher until you have a smooth, chunky consistency. You can leave some bits slightly intact for texture, depending on your preference.
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Add the Paneer: Now, add the grated paneer to the mashed vegetables. Stir the mixture gently, allowing the paneer to blend in with the vegetables. The paneer will melt slightly and add a creamy texture to the bhaji.
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Season and Finish: Add salt to taste, fresh coriander leaves, and the juice of 1 lemon. Mix everything together, adjusting the seasoning as needed. The bhaji is now ready to be served.
Step 3: Toasting the Pav Buns
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Butter the Buns: Heat a tawa (griddle) or skillet on medium-high heat. Slice the pav buns horizontally and spread butter generously on the cut sides.
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Toast the Buns: Place the buttered buns on the hot tawa and toast them until they turn golden brown and crispy. You can press down lightly to ensure an even toast.
Step 4: Serving the Paneer Pav Bhaji
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Serve the Bhaji: Transfer the hot, spiced bhaji into a serving dish. Sprinkle finely chopped onions on top for an extra crunch and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
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Serve with Pav: Place the toasted pav buns alongside the bhaji. Serve with an extra wedge of lemon on the side for added freshness and tang.
Tips:
- Customizing the Bhaji: You can add other vegetables such as peas or tomatoes if you like. The beauty of Pav Bhaji is in its versatility.
- Paneer Alternatives: For a non-vegetarian version, you can substitute the paneer with shredded chicken or lamb. However, the paneer gives it a creamy texture and boosts the protein content.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Paneer Pav Bhaji with a cool, refreshing yogurt-based side like Dahi Vada or a tangy Papdi Chaat to enhance the flavors.
Final Thoughts:
This Paneer Pav Bhaji recipe is a delightful variation of the classic Mumbai street food. With a base of soft, spiced vegetables mashed to perfection and paired with soft, buttered pav buns, it’s the ideal dish for a wholesome, hearty dinner. The addition of paneer not only enhances the flavor but also packs in extra protein, making it a nutritious choice for anyone looking for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy this warm, comforting dish with your loved ones on a busy weeknight or during a cozy weekend get-together. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Serves: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
