Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Veg Pav Bhaji is a creative twist on the classic Indian street food, packed with summer vegetables and robust spices. Instead of traditional pressure cooking, this version uses oven-roasted vegetables, making it perfect for batch cooking and easy entertaining. It’s hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor—great for vegetarians and a fun, interactive meal for guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bhaji masala:

• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 1¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground fennel seeds
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 4 green cardamom pods, seeds removed and crushed
• 1 heaped tsp dried fenugreek leaves, ground or rubbed between your palms

For the bhaji:

• 2 large aubergines, cut into 1cm/½in chunks
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm/½in chunks
• 2 courgettes, cut into 1cm/½in chunks
• 3 peppers, cut into 1cm/½in chunks
• 2 large red onions, cut into 1cm/½in wedges
• 220g/7¾oz cherry tomatoes on the vine
• 1 garlic bulb, cut in half widthways
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 tsp crushed fresh root ginger
• 1 tbsp salt
• 50ml/2fl oz light olive oil
• 50g/1¾oz salted butter
• 400g/14oz tomato passata
• 400ml/14fl oz hot water

For the pav:

• 12–16 soft bread rolls or buns, split
• 75g/2¾oz salted butter

For the garnishes:

• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, seeds removed and finely chopped
• 70g/2½oz green olives, chopped
• 50g/1¾oz fresh coriander, chopped
• 2–3 green and red chillies, chopped (optional)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
2. Combine all the bhaji masala ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large roasting tin, mix the aubergines, potatoes, courgettes, peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, ginger, salt, and olive oil. Toss to coat well.
4. Roast for 1½ hours or until the vegetables are soft. Cover with foil if browning too much.
5. Carefully squeeze the garlic from the bulb into the tin. Remove tomato vines. Add butter and mash the vegetables to a semi-smooth purée.
6. Stir in the bhaji masala, tomato passata, and hot water. Cover tightly with foil and roast for another 45–50 minutes, stirring halfway.
7. Mash again to a thick, velvety consistency. Adjust with water if needed. Keep warm.
8. For the pav, butter the split rolls and toast butter-side up in the oven for 8–10 minutes until golden.
9. Garnish the bhaji with chopped onion, tomatoes, olives, coriander, chillies, and lemon wedges. Serve hot with the toasted pav.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6–8
• Prep time: less than 30 minutes
• Cook time: over 2 hours

Variations

• Replace aubergines with mushrooms or squash.
• Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Add chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
• Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting chillies.

Storage/reheating

• Store bhaji in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months (without garnishes).
• Reheat on the stove or microwave until piping hot.
• Toast buns fresh for best texture.

FAQs

What is pav bhaji?

Pav bhaji is a popular Indian street food consisting of a spiced vegetable mash served with buttered, toasted rolls.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely. Aim for about 2.2kg of vegetables in total. Use what you have or prefer.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to moderate heat, mostly from the Kashmiri chilli powder. Adjust to taste.

Can I make the bhaji ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made in advance and stored or frozen. Add garnishes fresh when serving.

What kind of bread should I use?

Soft white rolls or buns work best, preferably slightly sweet. Look for pav or milk rolls.

How do I get the perfect texture?

Mash until semi-smooth and adjust liquid to get a thick but flowing consistency.

Can I make it without an oven?

You could try cooking the vegetables on the stovetop, but roasting enhances flavor.

What can I serve with pav bhaji?

A fresh salad, yogurt-based raita, or pickled onions pair well.

Can kids eat this?

Yes, it’s kid-friendly if you reduce or skip the chillies.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Veg Pav Bhaji is a wholesome and flavor-packed dish that turns humble vegetables into a festive, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, its vibrant taste, colorful presentation, and flexibility make it a must-try recipe. Serve it hot with toasted rolls and plenty of fresh garnishes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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