What is butter pav bhaji?
Butter pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food that typically consists of small rolls of layered bread and melted butter or ghee, served with cumin, chilli powder, and salt. The dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It is usually prepared on the grill over hot coals or in a pan on the stovetop. It’s commonly consumed as an appetizer or main course alongside other dishes like daal (lentils) and chapati (flatbread).
Some people also enjoy adding chopped tomatoes to their butter pav Bhaji for added flavor. However, butter Pav Bhaji tastes best when served fresh and warm out of the oven!
The origin of butter pav bhaji
Butter pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish that originated in Mumbai. It is made with a mixture of vegetables, butter, and spices and served with soft, fluffy pav (bread) and a dollop of butter on top.
The dish is said to have been invented by a man named Ashok Vaidya in the early 1970s. Vaidya was a cook at the small restaurant “Sujata” in Mumbai. He created the dish as a way to use up leftover vegetables, and it quickly became a favourite among his customers.
Today, butter pav bhaji can be found at street stalls and restaurants all over India. It is often served as a quick snack or light meal. And while it can be made with any combination of vegetables, the most common version includes mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, and capsicum (bell peppers).
Further reading: Easy, healthy, & Quick Pav Bhaji Recipe
3 reasons why butter pav bhaji is loved
There are many reasons to love butter pav bhaji.
- First, the dish is wonderfully flavorful, thanks to the addition of spices like cumin, chilli powder, and garam masala.
- The dish is also hearty and filling, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Finally, butter pav bhaji is easy to make at home and can be tailored to your taste preferences. This dish is sure to please whether you like your pav bhaji extra spicy or with a dollop of creamy yoghurt on top.
Further reading: 7 Best Health Benefits of North Indian Thali
Is butter pav bhaji healthy?
The exact ingredients and recipe for this dish vary depending on region and cook, so the dish is generally considered unhealthy due to its high fat and calorie content. However, while pav bhaji may not be the healthiest option, there are some health benefits to eating it in moderation.
The vegetables in pav bhaji provide vitamins and minerals, and the spices used can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Butter is a source of saturated fat but contains essential nutrients like vitamins A and E.
If you want to make pav bhaji a bit healthier, try low-fat yoghurt or milk instead of some of the butter, add extra vegetables, or use leaner cuts of meat. Whatever changes you make, remember that pav bhaji should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Further Reading: A vegetarian twist; Peppy Paneer Pizza Recipe
Recipe for butter pav bhaji
Ingredients:
This recipe for butter pav bhaji will result in a delicious, rich, and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.
- First, start by heating up some oil in a large pan.
- Then, add in chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.
- Next, add in crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- After that, it’s time to add the pav bhaji masala. This special blend of spices will give your dish its signature flavour.
- To ensure the masala is evenly distributed, mix it with some water before adding it to the pan.
- Once the masala is added, also throw in some chopped tomatoes.
Now it’s time to start cooking the actual bhaji. You’ll want to use potatoes, green peas, and carrots for this recipe.
- Start by adding the potatoes to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes before adding the green peas and carrots. Cook everything until it is nice and soft.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, it’s time to start assembling the pav bhaji. Begin by spreading some butter on a piece of pav bread.
- Then, scoop some of the bhaji onto the bread and top it with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips to make your butter pav bhaji perfect
1. Start with a good base: Butter pav bhaji starts with a good base. The key to a good pav bhaji is in the quality of the ingredients you use. Be sure to use fresh, high-quality butter, and don’t skimp on the spices. A good pav bhaji should have a balance of flavours, so include sweet and savoury spices in your recipe.
2. Use pav bhaji masala: Pav bhaji masala is a special spice blend that is essential to making an authentic pav bhaji recipe. You can find this spice blend at most Indian grocery stores, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts of cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chilli powder.
3. Cook the vegetables properly: The vegetables in pav bhaji should be cooked properly to bring out their natural flavours. Be sure to cook them until they are soft and tender but not mushy. The secret to perfect pav bhaji is in the cooking of the vegetables, so don’t skimp on this step!
4. Use fresh bread: Fresh bread is essential for making a good pav bhaji. Be sure to use bakery-fresh or homemade bread for the best results. Avoid pre-packaged or frozen bread, as it will not taste as good.
Conclusion
This recipe for butter pav bhaji is the perfect way to enjoy this delicious Indian street food dish at home. By following these simple steps, you can easily recreate this popular dish’s iconic flavors and textures. And, best of all, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!