Few dishes can match the comforting joy of digging into a hot plate of Pav Bhaji — spicy mashed vegetables simmered in buttery goodness, paired with crisp-toasted pav buns. Born on the busy streets of Mumbai, this iconic dish is now a beloved meal across Indian homes.
This Easy Homemade Pav Bhaji Recipe brings together pantry staples and fresh vegetables, including a little twist — grated beetroot — that enhances both color and nutrition, without changing the signature taste. Let’s dive in!
Why Add Beetroot to Pav Bhaji?🤔
💗Packed with nutrients: iron, folate, antioxidants, fiber
💗Great for digestion & blood pressure
💗Naturally sweet, balancing spicy notes
💗Adds a rich, red hue without food coloring
Follow us on Instagram @The_modern_foodie_05
Ingredients For Delicious Pav Bhaji 🤤
For Bhaji (Spiced Vegetable Mash):
🔺2 tbsp butter (plus more for serving)
🔺1 tbsp oil
🔺1 tsp cumin seeds
🔺1 large onion, finely chopped
🔺1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
🔺2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
🔺1 green capsicum, chopped
🔺2 potatoes
🔺1/2 cup green peas
🔺1/2 cauliflower
🔺1 beetroot
🔺1/2 tsp turmeric powder
🔺1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
🔺2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
🔺Salt as per requirement
🔺Water
🔺1 tbsp lemon juice
🔺2 tbsp chopped coriander
For Pav (Buns):
🔺pav buns (or dinner rolls)
🔺Butter for toasting
🔺Pav bhaji masala (optional for sprinkling)
Steps to Make Pav Bhaji with a Healthy Beetroot Twist
💙Prep the Vegetables: Boil and mash the potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and beetroot. Keep them ready.
💙Make the Masala Base: Heat butter and oil in a wide pan or tawa. Add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, sauté onions till golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
💙Add Tomatoes & Spices: Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, chili powder, Salt as per requirement and pav bhaji masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil separates.
💙Add the Veggies: Mix in the mashed potatoes, peas, cauliflower, capsicum, and beetroot. Use a potato masher to mash everything together while stirring.
💙Adjust Consistency & Simmer: Add water to reach your desired consistency (slightly thick but spreadable). Simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors come together.
💙 Finish with Freshness: Stir in lemon juice and chopped coriander. Add a final dollop of butter before serving.
To Toast the Pav:
💙Slice pav horizontally.
💙 Heat butter on a tawa, sprinkle pav bhaji masala if desired, and toast until golden brown on both sides.
Alternative One pot recipe for Bhaji
🩷In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tbsp butter, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 chopped onion, and 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste. Sauté till golden.
🩷Add 2 chopped tomatoes, 1 chopped capsicum, and cook until soft.
🩷Mix in ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala. Add 2 chopped raw potatoes, ½ cup peas, ½ cup chopped cauliflower, and 1 small grated beetroot .
🩷Add 1 cup water, pressure cook for 3 whistles.
🩷Mash everything, simmer 5 mins, adjust salt, and garnish with lemon and coriander. Serve with buttered pav!
Serving Suggestions for Pav Bhaji Lovers😍
✨Stuff the bhaji between mini pavs or burger buns, top with onion rings and cheese, and toast both sides like a grilled sandwich. Kudos, Pav bhaji sliders are ready 🤩
✨Add grated cheese on top for a cheesy twist.
✨Pair with cold drinks or chaas for a perfect meal.
✨Use leftover bhaji as stuffing inside a dosa or roll it in a roti/paratha with onions, chutney, and lettuce for a delicious frankie.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pav Bhaji:
💡Use fresh pav bhaji masala for the best flavor – homemade or a trusted brand like Everest or MDH.
💡Mash as you go – the texture is key!
💡Beetroot not only adds color but also makes the dish more nutritious.
💡You can prep the veggies in advance to save time.
Try Irresistible Honey Chilli Potato Fries Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)⁉️
💬: Can I skip beetroot?
Yes, but it adds a natural red color and mild sweetness. It’s great for kids and doesn’t overpower the dish.
💬: Can I make pav bhaji vegan?
Absolutely! Just replace butter with vegan butter or oil, and ensure your pav buns are dairy-free.
💬: What if I don’t have pav bhaji masala?
You can mix 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp amchur, and a pinch of kasuri methi as a quick substitute.
💬: Can I freeze pav bhaji?
Yes! Bhaji freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw and reheat.
💬: What sides go well with pav bhaji?
Besides pav, it goes great with cucumber-onion salad, spiced buttermilk, or masala papad.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.):
🔸Calories: 330 kcal
🔸Protein: 7g
🔸Carbs: 42g
🔸Fiber: 6g
🔸Rich in Vitamin C, Iron, and Volate
Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Recipe for Colorful, Nutritious Pav Bhaji
This Homemade Street-style Pav Bhaji Is everything you crave — spicy, buttery, colorful, and comforting. With the goodness of veggies and the slight earthy sweetness of beetroot, it’s a wholesome and hearty dish that the whole family will love.
Tried this recipe? Share your version on Instagram and tag us with #Themodernfoodierecipes.
We’d love to feature your dish!
1 thought on “Transform Your Pav Bhaji into a Wholesome, Vibrant Dish with One Simple Add-In.”