Pav Bhaji

Pav bhaji is a fast food dish native to Maharashtrians and is popular in most metropolitan areas in India, particularly in the Maharashtrian city of Mumbai. In Marathi, pav means bread The term may derive from the term "one quarter" as the loaves are divided into four parts before being sold. Bhaji is a term for a curry and vegetable dish. Pav bhaji consists of the bhaji (a potato-based curry) and the pav, garnished with coriander and chopped onions. Pav is high in carbohydrates and fats (if served with butter), while bhaji, the vegetable-based curry portion, is high in carbohydrates.

How can i forget those good old days ...when after the college we used to go this hang out place.,which was named Teenage point(vizag) and have a plate of pav bhajji. Not only that be it a samosa chaat,pani puri or even noodles for that matter,we used to be about 6 friends and all of us used to to dig into one plate because of our pocket money limitations. But we all enjoyed it n liked it that way...we never bothered about our diet.We could happily eat whatever we wanted to...such were the good old days of 80's and 90's..KAHAN GAYE WOH DIN ....

As for me there is no food like unhealthy food ,each n everything has it's own advantages n disadvantages.Same is the case with Pav Bhajji its good if u avoid the butter a bit once in a while.Because its so rich in carbs and the curry has all the mixed vegetables in it.I dont exactly remember from where i got this recipe,but it made a way to my cookbook because every time i make it ,it turn's out to be too good just like the street fare...

Ingredients:

1/2 of the giant big onion's we get in US

1 tsp ginger garlic paste

3 green chillies slit lengthwise

1 capsicum finely chopped like onions

2 small tomatoes finely chopped

1 cup of mixed veggies(carrot,beans,peas,cabbage,cauliflower,potatoes,beetroot-for the red colour look)

3 tsp Everest pav bhajji masala

1 1/2 tsp red chilli powder-adjust acording to ur spice level

1/4 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp surgar(optional)

salt as required

3tbsp oil

1/2 lemon juice

cilantro chopped

Method:

• Pressure cook all the mixed veggies with 1 cup of water except onions,capsicum and tomatoes for 3 whistles.
• Once they are cooked till soft,dont throw away the water, mash the veggies in that water with a masher keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan and add onions.Fry till the onions turn golden brown in color.
• Add ginger garlic paste and green chillies and fry for 2-3 min's
• Now add the chopped green bell peppers and fry for 2 min's
• Add the pav bhajji masala,red chilli powder,turmeric, salt.
• Add half cup water immediately to ensure that the spices do not burn.
• Stir to combine now add the chopped tomatoes and mix and cover with a lid for 3 min's.
• When u remove the lid u will notice that the tomatoes turn mushy now mix and fry till oil seperates.
• Add the mashed vegetables and stir to combine.
• Add 1 1/2 cups of water and adjust salt,add pinch of sugar and combine
• Now let it cook uncovered on slow fire for 15-20 mins.In between make sure that u keep mixing it to ensure that it does not stick to the bottom.

In the end garnish with lemon juice ,chopped cilantro and butter(optional) .Serve onto a plate with this curry,chopped onions and toasted buns or dinner rolls.