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COOK JOURNAL

Mumbai-Style Pav Bhaji with Dairy-Free Pav

Prep Time:

2 Hours (including dough rising)

Cook Time:

40 Minutes

Ready In Time:

2 Hours 40 minutes

Serves:

5 Servings

Level

Intermediate

Recipes Mumbai-Style Pav Bhaji with Dairy-Free Pav

About the Recipe

Mumbai-style Pav Bhaji is one of India’s most iconic street foods, known for its bold flavors and satisfying richness. The dish features a thick, spicy vegetable mash cooked with butter, spices, and herbs, served alongside soft pav buns. This version pairs the classic bhaji with homemade dairy-free pav, making it adaptable while preserving its street-style charm. Whether served for a casual dinner or a weekend indulgence, Pav Bhaji delivers comfort, nostalgia, and vibrant flavor in every bite.

Various Indian Spices

Ingredients
 

For the Dairy-Free Pav

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour

  • 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour (Optional)

  • 1 tsp Salt

  • 1 tbsp Sugar

  • 2 tsp Instant Yeast

  • 2 tbsp Oil

  • ¾ cup Warm Water


For the Bhaji

  • 30 g Butter

  • 1.25 tbsp Oil

  • 1.5–2 Onions (Chopped)

  • 1.25 Capsicum (Chopped)

  • 4–5 Potatoes (Boiled & Mashed)

  • 4–5 Tomatoes (Chopped)

  • ¾ cup Green Peas (Boiled)

  • ¾ cup Cauliflower (Boiled)

  • ⅔ Medium Beetroot (Boiled & Grated)

  • 6 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

  • 8 tbsp Red Chilli Paste

  • 1.25 tbsp Pav Bhaji Masala

  • ⅔ tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder

  • 2 tsp Coriander Powder

  • ⅓ tsp Turmeric Powder

  • ⅔ tsp Kasuri Methi

  • Salt to taste

  • Hot Water (as needed)


For the Tadka

  • 30 g Butter

  • Pinch Cumin Seeds

  • 2.5–3 tbsp Red Chilli Paste

  • 1.5 tbsp Garlic Paste (or Garlic Water)

  • ⅔ tsp Pav Bhaji Masala

  • Pinch Garam Masala

  • ⅔ tsp Lemon Juice

  • Fresh Coriander (Chopped)

preparation
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pav Dough

  • Combine flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and oil in a mixing bowl.

  • Gradually add warm water and knead into a soft dough.

  • Cover and allow the dough to rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.


Step 2: Shape and Bake the Pav

  • Divide dough into small portions and shape into smooth buns.

  • Let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes.

  • Brush lightly with oil and keep covered until serving.


Step 3: Cook the Bhaji Base

  • Heat butter and oil in a large pan.

  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

  • Add tomatoes, capsicum, and remaining vegetables.

  • Cook until vegetables soften completely.


Step 4:Add Spices and Mash

  • Add ginger-garlic paste, red chilli paste, pav bhaji masala, and other spice powders.

  • Mash the vegetables using a masher until smooth and well combined.

  • Add hot water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.

  • Allow the bhaji to simmer until thick and flavorful.


Step 5:Prepare the Tadka

  • Heat butter in a small pan.

  • Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.

  • Add red chilli paste, garlic paste, pav bhaji masala, and garam masala.

  • Cook briefly until aromatic.


Step 6: Finish and Serve

  • Pour the prepared tadka into the bhaji and mix thoroughly.

  • Add lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander.

  • Serve hot with warm pav and chopped onions.

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