Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food, consisting of a spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with soft bread rolls (pav). Although it is traditionally made with lots of oil and butter, it is possible to make a tasty and healthy version without these ingredients. In this article, we will go through step by step instructions on how to make pav bhaji without using any oil or butter.
Read Also: Mumbai vs Delhi: Whose Pav Bhaji Reigns Supreme?
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped beans
- 1/2 cup chopped capsicum
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp pav bhaji masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Pav buns
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Steps to make pav bhaji
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
- Wash all the vegetables and cut them into small pieces.
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the chopped vegetables and enough water to cover them.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft and tender.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the pan along with the ginger-garlic paste.
- Mash the vegetables with a potato masher or fork.
- Continue mashing until the vegetables are well combined and have a smooth texture.
- Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Step 3: Adding spices and seasonings
- Add pav vaji masala, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
- Mix well and cook on medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 4: Serve the pav bhaji
- Cut the pav buns in half and lightly toast them in a separate pan.
- Serve hot with toasted pav buns on the side.
- You can also add a dollop of curd or some chopped onions on top of the bhaji for added flavor.
Read Also: 5 Secret Ingredients That Will Take Your Pav Bhaji To The Next Level
Tips for making delicious pav bhaji without oil or butter
- Use non-stick cookware to prevent sticking and burning.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft and tender, as this will make them easier to mash.
- Use pav bhaji masala and other spices to add flavor without adding fat.
- Adjust the consistency of the bhaji by adding water as required.
- Serve with freshly toasted pav buns for a perfect meal.
Conclusion
Making pav bhaji without oil or butter is easy and delicious. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy this popular Indian street food without compromising your health. So why not give it a try and let us know how it turns out?
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables to make pav bhaji?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables to make paavaji. However, it is recommended to thaw them first and discard the excess water to prevent the bhaji from becoming too watery.
Can I use a blender instead of a potato masher to puree vegetables?
Yes, you can use a blender or food processor to blend cooked vegetables. However, be careful not to overblend them, as this can result in a puree-like consistency.
Can I use another type of bread instead of pav bun?
Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as hamburger buns or dinner rolls. However, pav buns are traditionally used for pav bhaji and have a soft, fluffy texture that complements the spicy bhaji.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Yes, you can add any vegetables you like to the stir-fry, like corn or spinach. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces so that they cook evenly and mix well with the other vegetables.
Can I make pav bhaji in advance?
Yes, you can make fritters in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving. However, it is best to toast the pav buns before serving so that they are warm and crispy.