A mixture of smashed vegetables with spices and herbs. Tastes best served with butter grilled bread and onion + tomato salad. This is an Indian street food favorite!
- ½ cup frozen petite peas
- 1 cup chunk chopped, fresh carrots
- 1.5 cup chunk chopped, russet potatoes
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced/food processed
- 1.5 cup vine ripened tomatoes, finely diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste mixed with 2 tbsp of water
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1.5 tsp fresh minced garlic
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tsp pav bhaji masala (badshah brand is my favorite)
- ½ stick salted butter
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro + more for garnishment
- red chili powder
- very generous amount of peanut oil (corn oil can be a substitute)
- salted butter as garnishment/topping
- fresh chopped green garlic-optional
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Place all of the vegetables in the "steam and mash vegetable" category in an Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and set it to 5 minutes high pressure.
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Let the Instant Pot cool down completely before opening.
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Mash the vegetables with a masher VERY slightly (do not puree).
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NOTE: Feel free to use a traditional pressure cooker instead of an Instant Pot.
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Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan on medium-high heat. (⅓ cup)
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Add the finely diced onions and cook until golden brown.
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Add the tomatoes and mix well.
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Add ginger, garlic, turmeric, red chili powder, and ½ of the pav bhaji masala.
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Mix well and lower the head to medium.
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Add the tomato paste + water mixture and combine well.
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Cook until the water from the tomatoes have evaporated (about 1-2 minutes)
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Mix in the mashed vegetables.
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Add ½ stick of salted butter.
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OPTIONAL: Add water until the Pav Bhaji is at a consistency you like.
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Add the remainder of the pav bhaji masala and all of the cilantro.
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Taste test and add salt accordingly.
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Mix and plate it with a tbsp cut/chunk of salted butter, more fresh cilantro, and optional fresh green garlic.
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Serve it with warm butter grilled bread + onion and tomato salad.
- Add salt at the very end since ingredients for pav bhaji masala, salted butter, and tomato paste can already have it as an ingredient.
- Try not to puree the vegetable mix. Slightly mashing it works best.
- Using a generous amount of oil will get you a real Indian street food taste.