By Rajlakshmi
January 13, 2026
Pav bhaji is one of the most beloved street foods that has made its way through people’s hearts not only in India but across the globe. What makes the pav bhaji exceptional is the masala. You can easily craft it at home.
4 potatoes 4 tomatoes 1 capsicum Handful of green peas Handful of coriander leaves 2 tsp ghee 1 tsp cumin seeds 1½ tsp turmeric powder 6 pavs 10 whole dry Kashmiri red chillies, broken into pieces ¼ cup coriander seeds 6 cloves 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds
1 ½ teaspoons fennel seeds 1 stick of cinnamon 4 black cardamoms 2 tablespoons of dried amchur powder 1 tablespoon black salt 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
In a broad non-stick pan, dry roast Kashmiri dry red chillies, coriander seeds, cloves, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon, and cardamom on medium heat.
Remove and cool completely. Add in the turmeric and amchur powder. Add salt and black pepper.
Mix it well. Strain the mixture. Store in an airtight container for use.
Boil the potatoes. Remove from boiling water. Let them cool. Mash them up.
Chop the tomatoes and capsicum into pieces. Heat the same pan with some ghee.
Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add capsicum pieces. Stir for 2 minutes. Add green peas and tomatoes. Cook for a minute.
Once the tomatoes are mushy, add all the vegetables to the pan. Add salt and pav bhaji masala as needed. Add water. Let it simmer.
Roast pav with some butter. Pav bhaji is ready. Serve it along with a piece of lemon and onion.