Instant Pot Pav Bhaji Recipe

Ever found yourself needing serious comfort food that captures the essence of a street food adventure without leaving your kitchen? Strap in, because this Instant Pot Pav Bhaji is about to become your new obsession!

The Instant Pot Pav Bhaji is my go-to recipe when I need a quick meal that’s full of flavors. Blending butter and tomatoes is one thing, but doing it under pressure really takes the dish from good to great.

Stir in the Pav Bhaji masala (a spice blend that’s basically a family recipe) and the chopped veggies, and you’ve got a creamy, spicy dish that’s perfect with toasted Pav bread rolls and a squeeze of lemon juice. My favorite part of this dish?

The fresh coriander garnish that goes on last for an aromatic touch.

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji Recipe Ingredients

“`html

• Butter: Adds richness and flavor, used for sautéing and toasting.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral taste, aids in even cooking of spices and vegetables.
• Cumin Seeds: Infuses a nutty, earthy aroma; helps digestion.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and depth, rich in antioxidants.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Brings warmth and spice, boosts immunity.
• Tomatoes: Add tanginess, pack vitamins A and C.
• Green Bell Pepper: Offers a slight crunch, rich in vitamin C.
• Pav Bhaji Masala: A mix of spices for authentic flavor.
• Mixed Vegetables: Provide fiber and nutrients, create a hearty base.
• Fresh Coriander Leaves: Bright and herbal garnish, rich in vitamins.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty touch, enhances the dish’s flavors.

“`

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji Recipe Ingredient Quantities

“`html

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas), chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
• 4 Pav bread rolls
• Extra butter for toasting pav
• 1 onion, finely chopped, for garnish

“`

How to Make this Instant Pot Pav Bhaji Recipe

1. Set the Instant Pot to a mode that allows for direct heating and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the butter is fully melted, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and allow them to reach their full flavor potential.

2. Add the large onion, finely chopped, and sauté until it is translucent. Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the tomatoes that have been chopped and the green bell pepper to the pot. Let it cook until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.

4. Combine 2 tablespoons of Pav Bhaji masala, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste in a bowl. Whisk together to form a smooth paste. Add the paste to the cooked vegetables and mix well to coat them with the spices.

5. Include 2 cups of chopped mixed vegetables (for example, potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, and peas) and 2 cups of water. Stir all the ingredients together.

6. Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Make sure the valve is set to ‘sealing.’ Select the manual or pressure cook mode and set it for 10 minutes at high pressure.

7. When the timer goes off, do a quick release by moving the valve to ‘venting.’ Wait until all the pressure is released, then take off the lid.

8. Mash the vegetables to your desired consistency using a potato masher. This ensures that the bhaji is well-mixed and thick.

9. Return the Instant Pot to its sauté setting and mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors come together.

10. Serve the bhaji hot, garnished with finely chopped onions and fresh coriander. Toast the Pav rolls with enough butter to make them an artery-clogging delight (unless you have a health nut thing that you insist on, in which case, butter substitutes may apply). Either way, enjoy.

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Mixing bowl
6. Spoon or spatula for stirring
7. Potato masher
8. Ladle
9. Non-stick pan or griddle for toasting Pav rolls
10. Tongs for handling the Pav rolls

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen mixed vegetables for this recipe?
  
  A: Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables. Just add them directly to the Instant Pot without defrosting.
• Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
  
  A: To make it vegan, use vegan butter or margarine in place of butter and ensure the Pav Bhaji masala is vegan-friendly.
• Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
  
  A: Absolutely. Reduce the amount of red chili powder if you prefer it milder, or increase it for more heat.
• Q: How do I store leftover bhaji?
  
  A: Store any leftover bhaji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Q: What if I don’t have Pav Bhaji masala?
  
  A: You can make a simple substitute by combining equal parts ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala.
• Q: Can I use other types of bread?
  
  A: Yes, any soft bread rolls can be used if Pav bread rolls are not available.
• Q: Is it necessary to use the Instant Pot?
  
  A: While an Instant Pot speeds up cooking, you can make Pav Bhaji on a stovetop by simmering until the vegetables are tender.

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ghee may be used instead of butter for an even more delicious flavor. Yum.
Olive oil can replace vegetable oil for a healthier option.
Pav Bhaji masala can be substituted with a blend of garam masala and cumin powder if it’s not available.
Cayenne pepper or paprika can be used in place of red chili powder, depending on the desired amount of heat.
For a slightly different taste and color, substitute yellow or red bell pepper for green bell pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Roast the Pav Bhaji Masala Before adding the Pav Bhaji masala to the dish, consider lightly toasting it in a dry pan for a minute or so to enhance its aroma and flavor. This brings out the essential oils in the spice mix, adding depth to your bhaji.

2. Cook with Ghee For an authentic richness, replace the vegetable oil with ghee. This will give the bhaji a more traditional and fragrant flavor profile, enhancing the buttery aspect of the dish.

3. Add Smoked Flavor To introduce a subtle smoky flavor, consider adding a small chunk of coal to a ramekin with a little ghee placed inside the Instant Pot after cooking, and carefully trap the smoke by covering the pot with foil for a few minutes.

4. Use Homemade Ginger-Garlic Paste Making your ginger-garlic paste fresh can significantly enhance the flavors. Blend equal parts garlic and ginger in a blender with a bit of water to achieve a smooth paste.

5. Flavored Butter for Pav Infuse the butter used for toasting the Pav rolls with minced garlic or a pinch of Pav Bhaji masala for an extra layer of flavor. This will make the bread more aromatic and complement the bhaji perfectly.