Craving something delicious, comforting, and fast? This easy pav bhaji recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with simple ingredients and classic spices, this Indian street-food favorite comes together in under 30 minutes!
Let’s dive in! 👇
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Bhaji (Mixed Veg Curry)
2 tbsp butter or oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 cup boiled potatoes, mashed
1 cup mixed veggies (carrot, peas, cauliflower), boiled & mashed
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ginger paste (optional)
2 tsp pav bhaji masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
1 cup water
Extra butter for topping
Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Lemon wedges for serving
For the Pav (Bread Rolls)
6–8 pav buns or soft dinner rolls
Butter for toasting
🍳 How to Make Pav Bhaji (Quick & Easy)
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat butter in a pan. Add onions and sauté until soft.
Add garlic (and ginger if using) and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add Tomatoes & Spices
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy.
Mix in:
pav bhaji masala
turmeric
chili powder
salt
Cook until everything becomes a thick, fragrant masala.
3. Add Bell Pepper
Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add Veggies & Mash
Add the boiled mashed potatoes and mixed veggies.
Pour in water to adjust consistency.
Mash everything together using a potato masher for a classic smooth bhaji texture.
Simmer 5–8 minutes until thick and buttery.
5. Toast the Pav
Heat a tawa (griddle/pan).
Spread butter + a pinch of pav bhaji masala on it.
Toast pav buns until golden and crisp.
6. Serve Hot!
Top the bhaji with:
a dollop of butter
chopped cilantro
a squeeze of lemon
Serve with toasted pav and sliced onions.
🔥 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Days
✔ Use Frozen Mixed Veggies
Cuts boiling time in half.
✔ Pressure Cook the Veggies
3–4 whistles and they’re done.
✔ Pre-Make the Masala
Cook onion + tomato + spices in bulk and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
✔ One-Pot Method
Use a deep pan and cook everything together—faster cleanup.
✔ Add Store-Bought Pav Bhaji Masala
Gives instant street-style flavor.
⭐ Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
1–2 tbsp tomato ketchup (for a tangy kick)
1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)
Extra butter (Mumbai style!)
Cheese on top for “cheese pav bhaji”
🧊 Storage Tips
Bhaji stays fresh 2–3 days in the fridge.
Reheat with a splash of water.
Toast pav fresh each time for best taste.
❤️ Enjoy Your Quick Pav Bhaji!
This easy pav bhaji recipe for busy days is perfect when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Great for weeknight dinners, after-school cravings, or lazy weekends.