How to Make the Perfect Simple Pav Bhaji
Indian · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
Pav bhaji is one of the most beloved kid friendly recipes because it is essentially a delicious vegetable mash served with buttery toasted rolls. This kid friendly recipe is a brilliant way to get children eating multiple vegetables in one sitting.
Why this recipe works
This Simple Pav Bhaji recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 medium potatoes boiled and mashed
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas carrots corn
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp mild pav bhaji masala
- 3 tbsp butter
- 8 pieces dinner rolls or slider buns
- 1 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes stirring frequently until tomatoes darken.
Step 2: Make the Bhaji
Add mashed potatoes to the pan and mix everything together thoroughly. Add pav bhaji masala and salt. Using a potato masher mash everything together in the pan. Add a splash of water if too thick and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Toast the Pav
Slice dinner rolls in half. Melt remaining butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Place rolls cut side down and toast for 2 minutes until golden and crispy on the inside. Kids love the buttery crunch.
Step 4: Serve with Toppings
Spoon generous bhaji into bowls or plates. Top with a small pat of butter and serve immediately with toasted pav. Offer a squeeze of lemon juice on top. This is a complete meal kids will ask for repeatedly.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- butter → vegan butter for a dairy free version
- dinner rolls → whole wheat burger buns for added fiber
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not mashing the vegetables enough which gives an inconsistent lumpy texture
- Using too much pav bhaji masala which can make it too strong for young palates
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 10g protein, 54g carbs, 14g fat, 7g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →