My Pav Bhaji

Pav bhaji is a fast food that is very common in the Indian state Maharashtra. It is a spicy mashed vegetable curry that is served with bread.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 231 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• salt to taste
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups water, plus more as needed
• 1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 medium potatoes
• 2 large green chile peppers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• 1 medium carrot, halved
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala, or to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
• 0.5 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Pour 2 cups water into the bottom of a pressure cooker. Place a trivet into the pressure cooker and turn the heat on high. Add potatoes, carrot, and green peas in a single layer in the pressure cooker and lock the lid.

Step 2

Cook over high heat until the pressure regulator reaches 15 psi, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Allow pressure to drop naturally, 10 minutes. Unlock and remove lid. Remove vegetables and smash.

Step 3

Meanwhile, grind ginger-garlic paste and green chile peppers together in a mortar and pestle until well mashed together.

Step 4

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry cumin seeds until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add garlic-chili paste and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add finely chopped onions and cook until soft and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add green pepper, cover, and cook until soft, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and a little water.

Step 5

Simmer over low heat until mixture thickens, 5 to 10 minutes. Season with pav bhaji masala and a little chili powder.

Step 6

Stir in boiled smashed vegetables and simmer until flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste and serve sprinkled with fresh cilantro.