If you are looking for the perfect comforting snack, the pav bhaji is definitely going to make all of your foodie dreams come true. Thick and delectable vegetable curry served with irresistibly soft bread rolls, this fast food dish really hits all of the right notes.
A fine working-class meal
Many years ago, in the 1850s, pav bhaji became one of the most popular lunch dishes in all of India. Typically, these types of vegetable curries were served outside textile mills in Mumbai. Workers could then run out during their lunch breaks and pick up a serving or two. This dish was so beloved that it quickly became a firm favourite across the country.
Due to colonialism and an increasing need for work, locals began emigrating from India to different corners of the globe. As a result, you are now able to enjoy this mouth-watering dish virtually anywhere you go. Most restaurants who specialize in Indian cuisine serve this curry, however, it is just as easy to make yourself. You may just need to find your nearest Indian grocery store to stock up on authentic masala to flavour your dish.
How this dish is made
Traditionally, pav bhaji is served as street food. Therefore, it is often prepared in enormous copper pots that are fairly shallow and slanted towards the sides. However, it can also be prepared on a smaller scale in your own kitchen. The foundation of this dish is crispy fried onions, garlic and ginger. The masala spice mixture is then added to the base and fried until the spices have bloomed and become fragrant. Next, tomatoes and an assortment of other vegetables are added to the mixture and cooked until soft and tender. Finally, the dish is served with an assortment of chutneys and soft bread rolls.
This is one of the most versatile dishes in all of India. You could try pav bhaji with paneer, deep-fried bread instead of soft rolls, or with a variety of different cheeses. You could also look for a version of this dish that is made entirely of mushrooms or one that does not contain any garam masala. Whatever your preferences are, you are sure to find a version of this curry that suits your tastes.
Where to try this curry
The best part of pav bhaji is that you are able to enjoy it as a sit-down meal at a restaurant, as a takeout dish in your own home or simply as a snack as you head off to your next meeting. It is also a good way to fill up during a shopping spree without feeling sluggish afterwards. Be sure to visit Shiv Sagar or Kailash Parbat to experience the wonders of this delectable curry.
