Pav Bhaji Masala Recipe: Authentic Mumbai Street Style at Home

Love Mumbai street food? You’ll absolutely crave this Pav Bhaji Masala recipe—a buttery, spicy, and irresistible dish that brings the flavor of Juhu Beach right to your plate.

👉 Have you ever wondered what gives pav bhaji that unforgettable punch of flavor?

It’s all in the masala—and today, we’re not just making the bhaji, we’re making it the right way.

🧄 What is Pav Bhaji?

Pav Bhaji is a famous Indian street food made by mashing boiled vegetables and cooking them with a special spice blend called pav bhaji masala. It’s served hot with toasted pav (soft dinner rolls) drenched in butter. Originating from Mumbai, it’s now a household favorite across India and abroad.

Fun Fact: Pav Bhaji was originally created as a quick lunch for Mumbai’s textile workers in the 1850s!

🔍 Key Ingredients for Pav Bhaji Masala (Homemade)

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own pav bhaji masala powder—fragrant, fresh, and preservative-free!

🌿 Dry Spice Blend

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2–3 dried Kashmiri red chilies (for color)
• 1 tsp black cardamom seeds
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp hing (asafoetida)

Pro Tip: Always roast your spices on low heat to enhance aroma.

🧂 How to Make Homemade Pav Bhaji Masala Powder

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Dry roast all the whole spices (except amchur, turmeric, hing) for 2–3 minutes on low heat until fragrant.
2. Let them cool completely.
3. Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder.
4. Add turmeric, amchur, and hing. Mix well.
5. Store in an airtight jar. It stays fresh for up to 2 months!

🖼️ Alt Text Suggestion for Image: “Homemade pav bhaji masala powder in a glass jar with whole spices around”

🍲 Pav Bhaji Recipe Using Homemade Masala

Here’s how to use your masala to make the perfect Mumbai-style bhaji:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter + extra for pav
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 chopped tomatoes
• ½ cup peas
• 2 boiled potatoes (mashed)
• ½ cup cauliflower (boiled and mashed)
• 2 tsp homemade pav bhaji masala
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• Lemon wedges & chopped onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat butter and oil in a pan.
2. Add onions, sauté till golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook for a minute.
4. Add tomatoes, cook till mushy.
5. Add all mashed veggies and mix well.
6. Sprinkle pav bhaji masala, salt, chili powder.
7. Add water as needed and mash everything together.
8. Simmer for 10 mins until thick and flavorful.
9. Toast pav with butter and serve hot.

📝 Expert Tips for Best Flavor

• Use Kashmiri red chilies for rich color without too much heat.
• Always toast the pav in butter for that authentic street-style vibe.
• Add a spoon of butter on top of bhaji just before serving for extra indulgence.

✅ Why Make Pav Bhaji Masala at Home?

• No preservatives or additives
• Custom spice control
• Fresher aroma and taste
• Cheaper than store-bought versions
• Authentic flavor, every time

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