Recipe

Detailed Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Cook the Potatoes and Peas:
   • In a pressure cooker, add the chopped potatoes and frozen peas.
   • Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and water.
   • Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. Once done, let it cool and mash the vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Bhaji Base

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Soak 10-12 dry Kashmiri red chilies in hot water for 30 minutes.
   • Blend them into a paste (add water if necessary) along with 15-20 cloves of garlic.

2. Cook the Bhaji:

   • Heat 2 teaspoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a flat pan.
   • Add cumin seeds and asafoetida.
   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn pink.
   • Add the chopped capsicum and cook for a few minutes.
   • Add double the amount of tomatoes (i.e., 4 tomatoes for 2 onions) and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
   • Add the prepared garlic and chili paste, and cook until the raw smell of garlic disappears.

3. Add Spices:

   • Mix in Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, and pav bhaji masala. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the spices are well combined.

4. Combine with Vegetables:

   • Add the mashed potato and peas to the pan. Mix well.
   • Add 1 cup of water to adjust the consistency as desired. Mash the bhaji further until it's smooth and combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes for flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Tadka

1. Make the Tadka:
   • In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
   • Add ½ teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder for color and pour this over the cooked bhaji.

Step 4: Toast the Pav

1. Prepare the Pav:
   • Heat a pan and add a little butter.
   • Sprinkle a pinch of pav bhaji masala and toast the pav buns on both sides until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish the bhaji with fresh coriander leaves and a dollop of butter on top.
   • Serve hot with the toasted pav, alongside sliced onions and lemon wedges.

Conclusion

Enjoy your homemade Pav Bhaji, which captures the same delicious taste and vibrant color as the street version! Perfect for a snack or a hearty meal, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t forget to share your experience!