Pav Bhaji.docx

Ingredients For The Chilli-garlic Paste (makes Approx. 1/2 Cup) 5 to 6 whole dry kashmiri red chillies , deseeded 8 to 10 clove garlic(lehsun), roughly chopped

For The Bhaji 2 tbsp butter 1 tbsp oil 1 tbsp cumin seeds (jeera) 3/4 cup finely chopped onions 1/2 cup chopped capsicum 1 1/2 cups finely chopped tomatoes 1 1/2 tbsp pav bhaji masala 2 tsp chilli powder salt to taste

1/2 cup boiled and lightly mashed green peas 1 1/2 cups boiled , peeled and mashed potatoes 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

For The Pav 8 ladi pav 8 tsp butter for cooking 1 tsp pav bhaji masala

For Serving 1 cup finely chopped onions 4 lemon wedges 4 roasted papad 4 tsp butter

For The Garnish 4 tbsp chopped coriander (dhania)

Method For the chilli-garlic paste

1.

Soak the red chillies in enough warm water for atleast an hour.

2.

Drain the chillies, add the garlic and blend in a mixer till smooth, adding little water. Keep aside.

For the bhaji

1.

Heat the butter and oil in a kadhai and add the cumin seeds.

2.

When the seeds crackle, add the chilli-garlic paste and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes.

3.

Add the onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring occasionally.

4.

Add the capsicum and sauté for 1 more minute.

5.

Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, mash well using a potato masher.

6.

Add the salt, pav bhaji masala, chilli powder and cook for another 2 minutes.

7.

Add the green peas, potatoes, mix well and cook along with 1/3 cup of water for 1 to 2 minutes, while mashing it with the help of a masher.

8.

Add the coriander, mix well and cook for 1 minute.

For the pav

1.

Slit 2 pavs vertically and keep aside.

2.

Heat a large tava, add 2 tsp of butter and slit open the pavs and place on it.

3.

Cook on a medium flame till they turn light brown and crisp on both the sides. (add more butter if required).

How to serve

1.

Place ¼th of hot bhaji, 2 pavs, ¼ cup of onions, a lemon wedge and a papad on a plate.

2.

Top the bhaji with 1 tsp of butter and serve immediately garnished with 1 tsp of coriander.

3.

Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 3 more plates.

Handy tip:

1.

Pav bhaji masala is a spice blend, which is readily available under different brand names at most grocery stores.