Mumbai Masala Pav Bhaji Sliders

By The AllVeggie Kitchen

Mumbai Masala Pav Bhaji Sliders - vegetarian recipe

These mini pav bhaji sliders bring the iconic Mumbai street food to your table in a fun, shareable format. Soft buns are filled with a rich, spiced vegetable mash, perfect for a casual meal.

Cook: 40 min · Serves 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Categories: Indian, Quick Meal, Kids' Favorite

Why this is good to eat

You get a hearty meal packed with vegetables and flavor, all made with wholesome ingredients. It is a satisfying vegetarian option that's surprisingly easy to put together for dinner or a party.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1.5 cups cauliflower florets
  • 0.5 cup green peas
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 medium bell pepper
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 inch ginger piece
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 green chilies
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 12 slider buns
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
  • 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Wash 4 medium potatoes, 1.5 cups cauliflower florets, 0.5 cup green peas, 1 medium onion, 1 medium bell pepper, and 2 medium tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Cut the cauliflower into small florets. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes into small pieces.
  2. Peel and finely chop 1 inch ginger piece and 3 cloves garlic. Finely chop 2 green chilies.
  3. Place the cubed potatoes and cauliflower florets in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Add 0.5 cup green peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the cooked vegetables and mash them coarsely using a potato masher.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pan or kadai over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the finely chopped 1 medium onion to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and light golden brown.
  6. Stir in the finely chopped 1 inch ginger piece, 3 cloves garlic, and 2 green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
  7. Add the chopped 1 medium bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens slightly.
  8. Add the chopped 2 medium tomatoes, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons red chili powder, and 3 tablespoons pav bhaji masala. Cook for 5-7 minutes, mashing the tomatoes with the back of your spoon, until they break down and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  9. Stir in the mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and green peas into the spice mixture. Add 0.5 cup water and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Mix everything well, mashing continuously to get a smooth, thick consistency. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The bhaji should be thick but spreadable.
  10. While the bhaji simmers, slice 12 slider buns horizontally. Heat a flat griddle or pan over medium-low heat. Spread 1 tablespoon unsalted butter on the cut sides of the buns. Toast the buns on the griddle for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and warmed through.
  11. Assemble the sliders: Spread a generous amount of the prepared bhaji on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Place the top half of the bun on top.
  12. Arrange the Mumbai Masala Pav Bhaji Sliders on a serving platter. Garnish with 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with 1 lemon cut into wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Mumbai Masala Pav Bhaji Sliders?

You start by boiling and mashing potatoes, cauliflower, and peas. Then, you cook onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilies with a blend of spices. Combine the mashed vegetables with this aromatic mixture, simmer it down, and serve generously spread inside toasted slider buns.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This recipe takes about 40 minutes of cook time. This includes the time for preparing and cooking the vegetables, making the bhaji, and toasting the buns.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe is designed to make 4 servings, which translates to 12 individual sliders (3 per person). You can easily double the ingredients if you need to serve more people.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is 100% vegetarian. It uses a variety of fresh vegetables, butter, and common Indian spices, making it suitable for a lacto-vegetarian diet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The bhaji can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed, and toast the buns fresh just before serving.

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