Pav Bhaji is a popular and flavourful Indian street food dish that originated in Mumbai but is now enjoyed throughout the country and beyond. It comprises a vegetable-based gravy (bhaji) typically made from potatoes, cauliflower, peas, carrots, and other vegetables. The bhaji is seasoned with a special blend of spices known as “Pav Bhaji masala” which gives the dish its distinct taste and aroma.
This one-pot dish is typically served with soft buttered buns called “pav,” which are toasted on a griddle. The pav is served alongside the bhaji and is meant to be dipped or scooped into the flavorful curry. Combining the spicy and tangy bhaji and the soft buttery pav creates a delicious contrast of flavours and textures.
About Instant Pot Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a beloved street food and has become a favourite in homes and restaurants. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, a light meal, or even a party dish. Its vibrant flavours, combined with the softness of the pav, make it a delightful culinary experience.
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, providing convenience, speed, and consistent results. With its ability to pressure cook, sauté, and simmer all in one device, the Instant Pot is a game-changer for Indian dishes like Pav Bhaji, which require slow-cooking and infusing spices. Its sealed environment locks in flavours and reduces cooking time, making it the perfect tool for a dish that typically simmers for hours.
Instant Pot Pav Bhaji is a convenient way to make this delicious dish without spending too much time on the stove. The Instant Pot helps expedite cooking while ensuring the flavours meld together beautifully.
With the advent of the Instant Pot, whipping up a delectable batch of Pav Bhaji has never been easier. Today, let’s see how to make this one-pot dish, the Instant Pot Pav Bhaji, that impresses your taste buds.
How to make Pav Bhaji in Instant Pot
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” mode. Heat butter in the pot. Add chopped onions. Sauté until they turn translucent.
Add ginger garlic paste, and sauté for another minute. Now, add bell pepper and sauté for a couple of minutes.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Next, add pav bhaji masala, Kashmiri chilli powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for a minute.
Add the vegetables. Mix well.
Finally, add water. Give everything a good mix. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Pressure Cook” mode for 7 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and use a potato masher to mash the vegetables until they’re well combined and slightly chunky. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Turn on the “Sauté” mode again and let the pav bhaji simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally. Top the Bhaji with coriander leaves and butter.
Toast the pav buns with a little butter on a griddle or skillet.
Serve the hot pav bhaji with buttered pav buns, chopped coriander leaves, and a lemon wedge on the side. A generous squeeze of lemon while serving adds a great taste to the Pav bhaji.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Instant Pot Pav Bhaji recipe.
Tips to make the best Pav Bhaji in Instant Pot
Use a good-quality Pav Bhaji masala to add that signature taste to your dish. It’s the blend of spices that truly sets Pav Bhaji apart. You can use fresh homemade masala or a good quality store-bought masala.
Don’t overcook the vegetables in the Instant Pot. Follow the recommended cooking time to maintain the texture and flavour of the veggies.
Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the vegetables to your desired consistency. Some prefer a smoother texture, while others like it a bit chunky.
After pressure cooking, let the Pav Bhaji simmer in the Instant Pot on the sauté function. This allows the flavours to meld and intensify.
Don’t skimp on the butter at the end. The richness of butter is essential for that authentic Pav Bhaji flavour.
Pav Bhaji is best enjoyed piping hot. Serve it immediately after preparing for the most satisfying experience.
Toast the pav buns with a bit of butter until they are golden and crisp. The buttery pav buns are the perfect accompaniment to the flavorful Pav Bhaji.
Get creative with toppings! Chopped onions, cilantro, and a dollop of butter are classic choices, but you can also add grated cheese, chopped bell peppers, or even some crunchy sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles) on top.
Serve with a wedge of lemon for those who enjoy an extra tangy kick.
Can we customize the vegetables in Pav Bhaji?
Absolutely! You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s available. Common vegetables include potatoes, cauliflower, peas, carrots, and bell peppers. You can add beans, paneer, beetroot, and bottle gourd too.
Can I make Pav Bhaji without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make traditional Pav Bhaji on the stovetop as well. Follow a similar process of cooking the vegetables in a pressure cooker, preparing the masala, and serving it with toasted pav.
Can I make Instant Pot Pav Bhaji ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the bhaji ahead of time and reheat it when needed. However, the pav is best toasted fresh before serving for the best taste and texture.
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How to make Instant Pot Pav Bhaji
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 Red Onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 Tomato finely chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 4 cups Vegetables (peeled potatoes & beetroot, carrot, green peas, cauliflower) chopped
- 1 cup Water
- Salt as needed
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder
- 1 tbsp Red Chilli Powder
To Garnish
- 1/4 cup Coriander Leaves
- 1 small Onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
To toast the Pav Buns
- 12 Pav Buns
- 2 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" mode. Heat 2 tbsp butter in the pot. Add chopped onions. Sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add ginger garlic paste, and sauté for another minute. Now, add bell pepper and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Next, add pav bhaji masala, Kashmiri chilli powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Sauté for a minute. Add the vegetables and mix well.
- Finally, add water. Give everything a good mix. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to "Pressure Cook" mode for 7 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and use a potato masher to mash the vegetables until they're well combined and slightly chunky. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Turn on the "Sauté" mode again and let the pav bhaji simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally. Top the Bhaji with coriander leaves and 1 tbsp butter.
- Bhaji is ready to be served.
- Toast the pav buns with butter on a griddle or skillet.
- Serve the hot pav bhaji with buttered pav buns. Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves, chopped onion, and some lemon juice. Enjoy your delicious homemade Instant Pot Pav Bhaji recipe.