Pao Bhaji

Yield: 4-6 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Bhaji (Potato Curry):

  • 2 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 large Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 inch Ginger-Garlic Paste
  • 1 Green Chili, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • Salt to taste

• For the Pao (Bread Rolls):

  • 6-8 Pav (Indian Bread Rolls) – Ideally, use fresh pavs for best results.

• For Garnish:

  • Finely chopped Coriander Leaves
  • Lemon Wedges

Instructions:

1. Cook the Potatoes: In a pressure cooker or pot, add the cubed potatoes and 2 cups of water. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles (or simmer on stovetop for 20-25 minutes) until the potatoes are very soft. Drain all the water.

2. Mash the Potatoes: Lightly mash the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or fork, leaving some texture – you don’t want them completely smooth.

3. Make the Bhaji (Curry): Heat ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add asafoetida, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chili. Sauté until the onions are golden brown. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Sauté for another minute.

4. Combine & Simmer: Add the mashed potatoes to the pan. Mix well with the spices. Add 1/4 cup of water and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry thickens slightly.

5. Assemble the Pao Bhaji: Slice the pav rolls horizontally, keeping the bottom half intact. Spoon a generous amount of the bhaji (potato curry) onto the bottom half of each pav roll. Top with chopped coriander leaves and a lemon wedge.

6. Serve Immediately: Serve hot!

Tips & Variations:

• Pav Quality: Fresh pavs are crucial for this dish – they should be soft and fluffy.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red chili powder and green chilies to your preference.
• Adding Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the bhaji for extra flavor and nutrition.