Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Cook the Vegetables

   To a pressure cooker, add 3 large potatoes (cleaned, peeled, and cut into pieces), 3 medium-sized chopped carrots, 1 cup of fresh green peas, and 1 small cauliflower (cut into small florets). Season with salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder. Mix all the vegetables and spices well. Add 2 cups of water. Close the pressure cooker and cook for about 4 to 5 whistles on medium flame until the vegetables are beautifully cooked and soft. Once cooked, mash the vegetables thoroughly with a potato masher until smooth. Set aside.

2. 2.Prepare the Pav Bhaji Masala

   To make the pav bhaji masala, heat a large iron skillet (tava) and add about 100 gms of unsalted butter. Add 2 tbsp of oil and 1 tsp of cumin seeds. Sauté until the cumin seeds splutter. Add 3 large finely chopped onions and sauté on high flame until they turn a lovely golden brown color. Add 3 chopped green chillies and 2 tsp of ginger garlic paste. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Add 5 medium-sized finely chopped tomatoes and mix well. Next, add 1 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, and 4 tsp pav bhaji masala. Mix all the spices well with the tomatoes and cook until the mixture is well combined. Add 1 large finely chopped capsicum and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporate the cooked and mashed vegetables (from the pressure cooker) into the masala, mixing everything well. Add about 1/2 cup of water and continue to mash the mixture with a potato masher until it reaches a smooth consistency. Let the masala simmer for about 5 minutes. At this point, check for seasoning and adjust if needed. The pav bhaji masala is now ready. Keep it aside.

3. 3.Toast the Pav Buns

   Heat a tava and add a little butter. Take pav buns and cut them into half. Place the cut side of the pav buns down onto the buttered tava. Add a little butter on top of the buns. Toast the pav buns until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove from the tava.

4. 4.Serve Pav Bhaji

   Serve the hot pav bhaji masala on a plate. Garnish generously with chopped onions, fresh lime wedges, and chopped coriander leaves. Place a few cubes of butter on top of the hot pav bhaji. Serve immediately with the freshly toasted pav buns.