Pav Bhaji

 

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a type of fast food/street food from Mumbai. “Pav” means bread and “bhaji” means vegetables, so it’s a dish of mashed-up vegetables with bread. It’s usually loaded with fat and salt and is generally cooked in butter and served with butter, but my guilt-free, plant-based version tastes just as delicious and even has some greens!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Allergens: Gluten, Wheat
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 1 potato (large, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 red onion (chopped, divided)
  • 1 cup carrots (diced)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 cup green beans (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
  • 2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala
  • 1 cup kale leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro or coriander (chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1/2 lime
  • 6 burger buns (whole wheat)

Instructions

  1. In large pot, bring water to a boil. 

  2. Cut cauliflower into small pieces and add to boiling water, then boil until cauliflower is tender (about 5 minutes). Drain and set aside.  

  3. Peel and cube potatoes then set them in a large saucepan or pot. Add enough water to cover the tops of potatoes and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt to water. Bring to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot with lid and cook potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes, use a fork to test). Drain potatoes in a colander and set aside.  

  5. In a large pan, heat coconut oil, then add cumin seeds and let crackle. 

  6. Add chopped onion, saving 1 tablespoon for garnish. Once the onion is translucent, add carrots and cook for 5 minutes.  

  7. Add tomatoes, green bell peppers, green beans, ginger, 2 teaspoons pav bhaji masala, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for another 5-10 minutes.  

  8. Add boiled cauliflower and potato. Using a potato masher, mash everything into a mushy paste and cook until all water dries out.  

  9. Turn the heat off. Add the kale leaves, and lime juice, and mix well. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5 minutes.  

  10. Serve with whole wheat buns and garnish with chopped raw onions, cilantro, and lime wedge.

BON APPÉTIT!

Note: Here is a link to the pav bhaji masala I like to use.