Pav Bhaji

 Pav Bhaji is a very popular Indian street food…Had never thought I could make my own Pav (the bread) and Bhaji (Vegetables) with that original authentic flavor at the comfort of my home.It was when I ate the pav buns I realized that Indians are too way good at bread making.

Soft melt in the mouth Pav buns

 Pav buns are so soft, and when served warm spread with butter and bhaji indeed melts in your mouth.Also this one is a great dish for those who have a hard time having veggies like me for you wont even realize that its a dish made of tonnes of veggies you are enjoying…

Pav Bhaji masala powder is available in the Indian spice aisle of almost every stores.You can also make your own at home which I haven’t  tried yet.

Ingredients:
For Bhaji:
Carrot- 1 large
Potatao – 2 large
Beans- 8-10
Cauliflower florets-1 C
Greenpeas-1/2 C
Capsicum-1/4 C
Onion(chopped)-1 med
Ginger-garlic paste- 2 tsp
Tomato (chopped)-2 small
Tomato paste- 1 tbsp(optional)
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Chilly powder- 1/2 tsp
Pav bhaji masala powder- 1 1/2 tbsp
Lime juice- 1 tbsp
Oil- 2 tbsp
Salt

For garnishing:
Chopped onion-1/4 C
Chopped coriander leaves-2-3 tbsp
Butter- 1-2 tbsp

Serves upto  4-5

• Wash,peel and cut the veggies.
• Pressure cook carrots, potatoes,beans, cauliflower and green peas in about 2 Cups of water with salt and a pinch of Pav bhaji masala.
• Meanwhile heat oil in a pan,saute the onions until soft,then add in the ginger-garlic paste.Fry for a few secs and add the tomatoes.
• When soft and mushy add the tomato paste along with the spices and fry until oil starts separating.
• Drain the cooked veggies. Reserve the drained stock.
• Now mash the veggies and add to the frying masala.
• Mix it well and then add the stock reserved earlier.
• Now pour the lime juice,mix, adjust the salt and let it simmer for about 15 mins.It will thicken on simmering.
• Remove from heat,garnish and serve immediately with pav buns.
• This is also great with chapatis, pooris or even bread.

For the Pav buns:
All purpose flour-2 C
Instant yeast-1 tsp
Salt- 1 tsp
Sugar – 2 tsp
Oil/Butter-2 tbsp(I used oil)
Milk 1/4 C
Warm water -1/4 C or more.

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and knead into soft, smooth and a bit sticky dough.You will have to take a few teaspoons of water more or less for the flour may differ.
• Now let it rise for an hour.
• Punch down the rised dough and then make four balls of even size and place them side by side on the baking pan leaving 1-2 inch space in between and let it rise for another 20-30 mins.
• Now it would have doubled in size and will be sticking to each other.
• Brush the top with some milk or egg wash to get that browned crust on top.
• Bake in a 180 preheated oven for upto 25-30 mins.Bread are usually tapped to see if they are done.A hollow sound is heard on tapping a done bread.
• Brush some butter on top of the buns when warm and serve.
• This makes 4 buns which can be increased by doubling or tripling the recipe.

How to serve:
Usually the street vendors serve the Pav Bhaji this way-the pav bread is cut horizontally as burger buns then toasted on a tawa with butter and the bhaji is also heated to simmer on the same tawa.Bhaji is then garnished with chopped onions,chopped coriander leaves and a dash of butter.And served immediately…..