This popular Indian street food is so easy to make in an instant pot! And thanks to my pre-made onion masala, this one-pot dish is literally a dump and cook type of recipe!
What is Pav Bhaji?
Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish originally from Mumbai. If you’ve never heard of this dish – “pav” just means buttered bread and “bhaji” is a thick mashed vegetable curry/sauce.
Think of pav bhaji as an Indian vegetarian sloppy joe! It doesn’t actually taste anything like a Sloppy Joe, but it’s messy and fun to eat! You can put it on a bun and top it with chopped onions, cilantro, and green chilies! A perfect and fun warm veggie sandwich. Comfort food at its best!
“Best Pav Bhaji I’ve ever made and at 1/10 the effort. Thank God for your innovative recipes Ashley.”
Neesha
An Easy Pour and Cook Recipe
The great thing about this dish is that it’s SO simple to make, especially if you have my pre-made onion masala handy. You literally put ALL of the ingredients in a pot and cook. That’s it!
This recipe for pav bhaji is part of my onion masala series called: Onion Masala LOVE. My goal with this series: to show you how easy it is to prepare Indian food on a daily basis.
Click on the image below to find out how to make onion masala, how to store it, and find other recipes that call for it!
“I am a big fan of your onion masala recipe. It’s been a minute since I’ve started freezing and using it for quick dinners. But this was the first time I used it for making pav bhaji and I was done in 30 minutes!!!!! 30 minutes! I couldn’t believe it! I typically toiled away for an hour or more to get it to the way I liked it. What a huge time saver!!!”
Flavia
Let’s talk about Pav
You can use any buttered roll to go along with this bhaji. Just be sure to melt some butter in a pan and toast the bread a bit – the texture of the soft yet toasty bread with its crispy edges is such a nice contrast to the veggie curry.
My little boys love eating pav bhaji with sweet Hawaiian rolls (I get them from Trader Joes’s or Costco). I like them with either gluten-free hamburger buns (also from TJs) or with Schar gluten-free buns (I get those from Giant Eagle).
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe! You’re going to love how it tastes and how easy it is to make with the onion masala!
Can I use pre-made or store-bought pav bhaji masala instead of individual spices?
Yes! If you’d like to use your own blend or store-bought pav bhaji masala then just leave out my spices and add the masala to taste!
I list individual spices for this recipe because this way I can offer you guys consistent results. Not all spice mixes are created the same and so if you use a pre-made mix, there’s a chance you may not like the outcome whereas I have tested my recipe using the exact amount of spices listed.
Totally up to you though!
WATCH HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE PAV BHAJI!
(for the full recipe, see the recipe card below 😋)
Add a bunch of ingredients into the pot and pressure cook!
Veggies are done! Mash. Mash. Stir. Stir.
Serve with buttered rolls and add all the toppings!
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 russet potatoes approx. 1 pound total, peeled and chopped into large pieces
- ½ head cauliflower roughly chopped
- ½ bell pepper chopped (I prefer to use red bell pepper for color and flavor)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 small green chili or ½ serrano pepper optional and adjust to taste
- 1 cup frozen or thawed onion masala
Spices
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons kasoori methi leaves dried fenugreek leaves, crushed
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon amchur powder dried mango powder
- ½ teaspoon fennel powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kala namak (black salt)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne or red chilli powder optional and adjust to taste
- 3 teaspoons paprika for color
Add later
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Cilantro garnish
- Red onion garnish
- Green chilis chopped, optional garnish
- Serve with Pav buttered rolls
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients except for those listed under “add later” to the pot.
- Secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release pressure.
- Use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to mash the vegetables. You can add some water at this point if needed to adjust the bhaji to desired consistency.
- Stir the butter and lemon juice into the pot.
- Serve with Pav (buttered rolls) and garnish with chopped cilantro, red onion and green chilis (optional). You can also top the bhaji with extra butter!
Video
Notes
- This is a popular dish with kiddos – however, if you are making this for kids you will likely want to omit the green chilies AND the cayenne (unless your child is older and/or can tolerate spicy foods)
- You can use a pre-made pav bhaji spice blend if you prefer – I just like to list spices out to ensure consistent results as spice blends can vary and can sometimes include unnecessary/odd ingredients.
- Sometimes veggies can be different sizes and so if you feel the bhaji needs more onion masala you can always stir it in at the end if needed. Since the onion masala is already cooked, you can always add more!
Swati says
Hi Ashley!
I made this recipe yesterday. After it cooled down, because I’m lazy, instead of mashing it, I buzzed it for a bit in the blender. I didn’t add black salt since I didn’t have any and because I love spicy food, I was liberal with the cayenne and black pepper. It turned out amazing! I also just had it for breakfast! 😀
Thanks for a great recipe!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Swati, I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Flavia says
I am a big fan of your onion masala recipe. It’s been a minute since I’ve started freezing and using it for quick dinners. But this was the first time I used it for making pav bhaji and I was done in 30 minutes!!!!! 30 minutes! I couldn’t believe it! I typically toiled away for an hour or more to get it to the way I liked it. What a huge time saver!!!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
I’m so happy to hear that! So glad you like this so much and that it’s saving you so much time 🙂
Nick says
One of the best pav bhaji recipes I’ve seen. Thank you much!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
So happy to hear that!
Penelope says
I made this for dinner after a long day and considering take out and we loved it!! Thank you so much.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Penelope, I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know how this turned out for you 🙂
Neesha Srinivasan says
Best Pav Bhaji I’ve ever made and at 1/10 the effort. Thank God for your innovative recipes Ashley.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Thanks, Neesha! So happy to hear that!
Shweta Stuart says
Hi! If I have a premade pay bhajhi masala, does that replace all the spices? Thank you.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Shweta, yes, you can use pav bhaji masala though I’m not sure of the amount you’ll need – you can adjust to taste.
Eshani says
Hi Ashley!
I look forward to using this recipe. I don’t have pre made onion masala. What recipe do I follow instead?
Jayesh says
Ashley,
This pav bhaji was amazing. I hope you don’t mind. I made a tiktok with this recipe. Do you have a tiktok account. I’ll link you
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMe75cLcC/
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Jayesh, that’s so great to hear! Glad you liked it! I’m not on tiktok but maybe I should try it 🙂
brandy says
This is SO authentic and delicious and such a great way for everyone to get their vegetables.
I can’t tell you how handy this recipe has been for me. This is what I do– I have a 6qt IP and I double the recipe. There are just three of us in my family, but bear with me; when I double the recipe we keep half of it out to eat fresh, and we divide the remainder among some freezer containers and FREEZE several of those for those busy nights when we need to get something on the table that’s healthy but quick. I get brioche rolls or brioche slider buns from Aldi and I freeze those, and that way all I have to do is heat up my bhaji, and slice the bread, toast it on a cast iron griddle (my dosa pan actually), chop some coriander and red onion and BOOM, done! Everything is there in the freezer for those tight schedule days and it is DELICIOUS, homemade, full of healthy vegetables and FAST!!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Thank you! I’m so glad you like this recipe so much 🙂 Also, thanks for sharing your meal prep tips – this will be helpful for many readers!
Sharon says
I doubled the recipe when I made this for supper tonight and I’m so glad that I did! Easy and delicious!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Sharon, I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for sharing how it turned out after you doubled it 🙂
Paulomi says
Best thing ever so easy love all ashley recipes
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Paulomi, thank you!! Happy to hear that 🙂
Anjali says
I love this recipe! I used leftovers to make an amazing grilled cheese with avocado!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Anjali, that’s so great to hear! And that sounds like an awesome sandwich – will have to try that 🙂
Preetha says
Hey, thanks for a super easy recipe! Unfortuantely, I didn’t have a couple ingredients – amchur and black salt. I’m not sure how critical these are to the recipe but I went ahead without them. I did notice that I had to cook a bit longer than 6 minutes – maybe closer to 8. Otherwise, this is a super convenient recipe and my seven year old was able to help me, especially with the mashing! 🙂 I’ll definitely make it again.
Sonali says
Hi Ashley
I love your recipes. They have changed my world. Can I replace the spice with pav bhaji Masala?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Sonali, so happy to hear that 🙂 Yes, you can use a pav bhaji masala – I just prefer to use individual spices as different brands of masala can vary in flavor. Enjoy!
Tamara Kalhan says
I haven’t made this yet. How could you make this without onion masala? Can you please provide a way to add fresh onions and extra tomato (if needed) in lieu of onion masala if i don’t have any on hand?
I have made several of you other recipes and all are fantastic! Thanks!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
You can always sauté onions and cook down tomatoes with some garlic and ginger if you don’t want to use the masala. I’d really suggest making it though – it’ll make cooking future recipes so much easier!
Viren L. Gandhi says
Love your Pav Bhaji recipe. It turns out best pav bhaji every tiki make. I add 1/2 medium beet. It gives a very rich red color. Your blog’s name ends with beets, you need to promote beets more..just kidding. My daughter makes Pav Bhaji a lot. Our grandsons love it. They call it Indian Sloppy Joe😍
Thank you Ashley for helping so many people with your delicious recipes.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Viren, that’s so nice to hear! Love the idea of adding beetroot to this – and lol, I agree, I do need to share more beet recipes! Thank you for leaving this review! 🙂
Sima says
delish! I love how everything came together in the instant pot, and loved that I could use the onion masala as a quick cheat. Thanks Ashley!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Sima, that’s so great to hear! I’m glad you liked the pav bhaji 🙂
Neetal says
Loved the ease with which this dish can be made. Your onion-tomato Masala is a big hit in my family. I’ve tried multiple of your recipes and all have turned out great. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Neetal, I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how the pav bhaji turned out for you 🙂
Ketal Mehta says
Never has Pav bhaji been so easy and quick to cook! Foolproof and very tasty recipe! Thanks Ashley!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Ketal, I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for letting me know how much you like the pav bhaji recipe 🙂
Jayesh says
I see the spices are the same as Chana Masala spices, although the ratio might be different. I don’t have amchur but I have all the other spices. Can I just use Chana Masala? Looking at the spices that you have it seems like 3 tbsp of Chana Masala will do it. What do you think?
Andie says
This was so delicious and will be on regular rotation. One of my husband’s new favorites! Again, you’re frozen onion masala makes cooking amazing dinner a snap! Thank you!!!
My Heart Beets says
Andie, I’m so happy to hear that you and your husband liked the pav bhaji so much! Thank you for letting me know how this turned out for you 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of other onion masala recipes!
Monika says
This is a hit everytime I make it! My kids and husband LOVE this recipe and it’s all gone in the same day. Tastes authentic and i love the option to customize the spice level and play with the veggies.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Monika, I’m so happy to hear that your kiddos and hubby like the pav bhaji so much! Thanks for letting me know much you all like this recipe 🙂
Neil says
Hi Ashley. this is probably a crazy question, but have you heard of pav bhaji being made with sweet potatoes?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Neil! Not crazy at all! I haven’t tried using sweet potatoes in this recipe but I’d bet it’d turn out really well. I love sweet potatoes – I may have to try soon, now you have me curious 🙂
RT says
I was a bit reluctant to make onion masala but ended up making it as my tomatoes were getting spoilt.. Mainky because I wanted fresh food and didn’t wanted to take out from freezer blah blah blah …. but the Pav bhaaji recipe totally changed my mindset. Was able to prepare the dinner in matter of 10 minutes. Will Be making more of onion masalas 😀Thank you Ashley.
My Heart Beets says
I’m so glad you gave it a try! I can’t wait to hear what else you make with the masala 🙂
Dawn says
Hi! I’m making this for a dinner party tonight and wondering if I could use frozen riced cauliflower in place of fresh? My grocery store was sold out of cauliflower, ugh. Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Dawn, I haven’t tried using frozen cauli rice but don’t see why not 🙂
Juhi says
Thanks for the great recipe Ashley!! Thanks to using the individual spices I can adjust it for my 4 year old. I made it today and she just loved it. With the store bought masala it would always turn out too spicy for her. I find your recipe the perfect one where I can adjust the heat without losing on flavors. Thanks!! This goes in my favorites 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Hi Juhi, I’m so happy to hear that your little one loved this! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out 🙂
Virginia says
I have made many of your recipes and enjoyed them all! I have a question about doubling. I have a large family and often like to double the recipes. Do you recommend doubling the spices in this case, or not? Usually I do about 1.5 times the spices for double recipes. Just wondering if you have any tips for those of us who need to double the recipes, especially when it comes to spices. Thank you so much!
Swati says
Hi,
I realized, you are not using any tomatoes in your recipe. While eating outside in Mumbai, the street vendors would always put tomatoes…just curious to know.
Thanks
My Heart Beets says
Hi Swati, the onion masala has tomatoes in it 🙂 I use that to make this a shortcut recipe!
Enakshi says
Hi Ashley – can i substitute red potatoes for the russet? Will the timing have to change?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Enakshi, yes you can use red potatoes! Since you’re chopping the potatoes either way I’d probably suggest keeping the cook time the same – since this is a mashed dish it won’t matter if it cooks a bit longer than needed. You can likely get away with a 4 minutes cook time though if you’re in a rush! Let me know how it goes 🙂
PaulO says
Slightly sloppy when I made it but flavour was amazing. Will make again with less water.
My Heart Beets says
Paul, glad you liked the flavor 🙂 You can press sauté to reduce the water content/thicken it up if you feel it’s too thin/watery.
Paul says
Made it again – fantastic. I love many of your recipes but this is one of your best.
My Heart Beets says
Paul, thank you! I’m so happy to hear that you like my pav bhaji so much 🙂
Anushree says
I made this recipe today with readymade pav bhaji spice mix. The onion masala is a lifesaver! I got done with everything in less than half hour. So uncomplicated and yet so delicious! Thank You Ashley!
My Heart Beets says
Hi Anushree! I’m so glad you made and liked the pav bhaji! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Sarika says
I haven’t made any recipes yet but I am looking forward to it! You have so many dishes I grew up eating and have been yearning for. Thanks!
My Heart Beets says
Sarika, I’m glad you found my blog! Can’t wait to hear what you think of the recipes you try!
Lucy Boulton-Mills says
I have made it with 2 TBSP of the premade Masala spice blend and it was so hot it was barely edible, and we like spicy! I would suggest starting with 2 tsp.
Hari says
Hi Ashley, I want to try out this recipe but I do not have onion masala pre-made. Any easy alternatives?
Deepti says
Thanks for the great recipe, Ashley! Made it last night and it was so easy and delicious, just like all of your recipes! Just one quick question: if I want to replace the spice blend with pre-made pav bhaji masala, how much of the pre-made masala should I use?
My Heart Beets says
Thanks Deepti!! I haven’t tried it with pre-made masala but I’ve heard from others that around 2tbs works 🙂 Let me know how it goes!
Nayna Patel says
How much premade pav bhaji masala do you use?