Khada Pav Bhaji

Khada Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish from Maharashtra, India. It is a variation of the classic Pav Bhaji, where instead of mashing the vegetables to a smooth consistency, the bhaji (vegetable curry) is left slightly chunky, giving it a unique texture and flavor. Khada Pav Bhaji is typically served with buttered pav (bread rolls) and is enjoyed as a hearty and flavorful snack. Here's a recipe to make Khada Pav Bhaji:

Ingredients:

For the Bhaji:

• 3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, cauliflower), boiled and mashed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper (capsicum), finely chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

For the Pav:

• 8 pav (bread rolls)
• Butter for toasting

Instructions:

For the Bhaji:

1. Heat oil or butter in a large pan or kadai over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
5. Add the chopped bell pepper (capsicum) and cook for a couple of minutes.
6. Add pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
7. Add the boiled and mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables to the pan. Mix everything together to combine well.
8. Reduce the heat to low and let the bhaji simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. The bhaji should be slightly chunky with distinct vegetable pieces. If the mixture appears dry, you can add a little water or vegetable stock to adjust the consistency.
10. Garnish the bhaji with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

For the Pav:

1. Slit the pav horizontally, without separating the halves completely.
2. Heat a pan or tawa over medium heat and add a little butter.
3. Place the pav on the pan, cut side down, and toast until golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip the pav and toast the other side as well.
5. Remove the toasted pav from the pan.

To Serve:

1. Serve the Khada Pav Bhaji hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
2. Serve with toasted pav, a dollop of butter, and lemon wedges on the side.
3. Squeeze some lemon juice over the bhaji according to your taste.
4. Enjoy the Khada Pav Bhaji as a delicious and satisfying snack.

Note: You can also garnish the Khada Pav Bhaji with chopped onions, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of chaat masala for added flavor.