Mumbai Pav Bhaji (Maharashtra Style)

Here is a flavorful and authentic Maharashtrian-Style Pav Bhaji Recipe – a street food classic made with mixed vegetables mashed into a spicy, buttery tomato gravy and served with soft, toasted pav.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Vegetables (boiled & mashed):

Potatoes – 2 medium
Cauliflower – 1 cup small florets
Green peas – ½ cup
Carrots – 1 small
Capsicum green bell pepper – 1 medium (finely chopped)

Gravy:

Butter – 3–4 tbsp
Oil – 1 tbsp
Onions – 2 medium finely chopped
Tomatoes – 3 medium finely chopped or pureed
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
Green chilies – 1–2 finely chopped
Kumbh Pav Bhaji Masala – 2 tbsp
Kumbh Red chili powder – ½ tsp
Kumbh Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Salt – to taste
Water – as needed
Coriander leaves – chopped for garnish
Lemon wedges – for serving

For the Pav:

Ladi pav buns – 8
Butter – 2–3 tbsp
Kumbh Pav Bhaji Masala – a pinch for extra flavor while toasting

Method

Step 1: Boil & Mash Vegetables

Boil potatoes, peas, cauliflower, and carrots till soft.
Mash everything coarsely. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bhaji

In a large pan or tawa, heat butter + oil.
Add onions and sauté until golden.
Add green chili and ginger-garlic paste; cook till raw smell fades.
Add tomatoes and cook till oil separates.
Add Kumbh Pav Bhaji Masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, then add the mashed vegetables and capsicum.
Mix well and add water to reach desired consistency.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes, mashing occasionally with a potato masher.

Step 3: Toast the Pav

Slice pav buns in half.
Heat butter on a flat pan, sprinkle a little Kumbh pav bhaji masala.
Toast pav till golden and crisp.

Notes

Serve bhaji hot topped with a dollop of butter, fresh coriander, lemon wedges, and finely chopped onions.

Serve toasted pav on the side.

Use Amul butter for authentic Mumbai flavor.
Add a spoon of beetroot puree for deeper red color (optional).
For extra zing, sprinkle chopped raw onions and lemon just before eating.

Mumbai Pav Bhaji (Maharashtra Style)