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Pav bhaji
Boil the potato, cauliflower and peas in salted water for about 15 minutes until very soft. Drain, keeping a mug of the cooking water, and mash roughly.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Pav bhaji take?
1 hr all in — 20 min prep, 40 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Medium heat.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Frying pan, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
What can I use instead?
Fresh tomatoes → Tinned chopped tomatoes. Use a 400 g tin and cook it down a few minutes longer. Pav → Soft brioche buns or milk rolls. Anything soft, white and slightly sweet works. Crusty bread does not.
Any tips from this recipe?
A pinch of the bhaji spice mix sprinkled on the butter before toasting the pav is how the stalls do it. Leftover bhaji keeps three days in the fridge and goes into toasted sandwiches.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Leftover bhaji keeps three days in the fridge and goes into toasted sandwiches.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.