Transform Your Pav Bhaji into a Wholesome, Vibrant Dish with One Simple Add-In.

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

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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.

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