Tawa Pav Bhaji is a tasty street dish prepared in the Mumbai style. Because it is made by mashing spices and vegetables on a hot tawa (flat griddle), it is known as "tawa" pav bhaji.
It comes with toasted pav (buns) topped with butter. It has layers of strong Indian spices and is buttery and creamy. This article will teach you how to prepare tawa pav bhaji at home with basic ingredients. The catch is that this recipe for tawa pav bhaji will be straightforward. You don't even need a masher for it.
From choosing the right vegetables to getting that unique buttery sensation, this homemade pav bhaji recipe has everything you need for a true experience.
Tawa Pav Bhaji Recipe
The Tawa Pav Bhaji Recipe originates from Mumbai streets. This method creates a smoky, buttery, and perfectly spiced dish. Unlike regular curry, pav bhaji is a mashed vegetable gravy cooked. It is done with generous amounts of butter, pav bhaji masala, and a mix of boiled veggies like potatoes, peas, and capsicum.
The pav (soft dinner rolls) are sliced and toasted on the same tawa with extra butter.The flavors are absorbed by them. Coriander and onions are staple ingredients for garnishing. You can add some lemon juice as well.
Read Also: Maharashtra's Culinary Stars: Famous Chefs and Their Viral Recipes
Homemade Pav Bhaji Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes (boiled & peeled)
- 1/2 cup green peas (boiled)
- 1/2 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped capsicum
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
Spices
- 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Other Essentials
- 3–4 tbsp butter (use white or Amul butter)
- 2 tbsp oil
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Lemon wedges
- 6 pav buns
- Water to adjust consistency
How to Make Tawa Pav Bhaji
This easy method will give your kitchen a street-style taste if you're wondering how to make tawa pav bhaji at home. Boil the vegetables while cooking. This will be your first preparation. You will need Cauliflower, peas, carrots, and potatoes. Press the boiled vegetables with a ladle.
Chop them finely if you don't have a masher. This is an effective method for those asking how to prepare pav bhaji on tawa without masher.
Step 2: Make the Masala Base
- On a tawa, heat the oil and butter.
- fry chopped onions(avoid deep frying).
- Cook until fragrant after adding the ginger-garlic paste.
- Now patiently cook the diced tomatoes
- Add salt, turmeric, chili powder, and pav bhaji masala. Cook until oil is released from the mixture.
Step 3:
- Add and mash the vegetables in step three.
- To the masala, add the boiled veggies and capsicum.
- Begin mixing and crushing the ingredients.
- In the absence of a masher, apply pressure in a rocking motion using a flat spatula or ladle.
- Now stir and add water gradually.
Step 4: Toast the Pav
- On the same tawa, melt butter.
- Slice pav buns. Toast both sides of the pav.
Why This Homemade Pav Bhaji Recipe Special?
If you are a mumbaikar, you will find this homemade pav bhaji recipe truly homely. It is simplified for any kitchen. You don’t need a large tawa. You don’t need a commercial setup. It doesn’t matter which kind of tawa you are using. You will get the same result any day-rich and buttery pav bhaji.
This guide shows how to prepare pav bhaji on tawa without masher. So if you don’t have a masher, you are at the right place. We will use techniques that yield the same smooth and flavorful result. It’s all about patience and proper stirring.
Also, we will guide you how to use mashed vegetables for pav bhaji. It ensures a smooth, thick bhaji that isn’t watery or bland.
Tawa Pav Bhaji with Butter – Tips for Best Results
To make a true buttery pav bhaji, add butter constantly in small amounts.
Tips:
- For toasting pav and mashing bhaji, use butter
- Add a little butter to the bhaji to improve its texture and fragrance.
- Do not reheat again and again
Use unsalted or white butter to regulate the saltiness if you want classic pav bhaji with butter.
Serving Recommendations
- chopped onions can be added.
- Add sliced cucumbers on side to make it more crunchy
- Use coriander for garnishing purposes. It will give a fresh look to the recipe
- You can serve cheese pav bhaji to kids.
This tawa pav bhaji recipe also pairs well with spicy chutney or even a bowl of dahi (yogurt) to balance the spices.
How to Prepare Pav Bhaji on Tawa Without Masher
Many home cooks don’t have a vegetable masher. No problem. Here’s a simple technique:
- Boil vegetables until very soft.
- Finely chop them after boiling or mash using a large flat spoon.
- On the tawa, use the spoon or spatula edge to press and stir simultaneously.
- Continue moving until the texture is completely smooth.
- As necessary, add water to prevent sticking and burning.
This guarantees that the mashed vegetables for pav bhaji will still be properly prepared. They will have a restaurant like finish too.
Value of Nutrition (Per Serving)
- 390 kcal
- 45g of carbohydrates
- 9g of protein
- 20g of fat
- 5g of fiber
Use whole wheat pav instead of white buns. Keep your recipe light. Do not use much protein rich products like butter.
Time for Garnish
This tawa pav bhaji recipe is simple and homemade. It doesn't require fancy tools. The focus is on technique, timing, and good ingredients. If you’re getting-together, this homemade pav bhaji recipe is the thing you need. Serve it hot with buttered pav. After going through this guide, you'll never need to visit a street stall again.