Are you craving a unique and delicious twist on the classic Indian dish, Pav Bhaji? Look no further! In this recipe, we will show you how to turn your favorite street food into a delectable fondue that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Pav Bhaji Fondue combines the rich and spicy flavors of traditional Pav Bhaji with the fun and interactive eating experience of a fondue. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family at parties or gatherings.
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need a few simple ingredients such as butter, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The key to a delicious Pav Bhaji Fondue is in the technique of slow-cooking the ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once your Pav Bhaji Fondue is ready, serve it with warm, toasted pav buns, some diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of tangy flavor. Dip the buns into the creamy, flavorful fondue and savor each bite. Your guests will be impressed with this unique twist on a beloved Indian dish!
Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting the preparation process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for making Pav Bhaji Fondue. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 6 pav buns
- 500 grams of mixed vegetables (such as potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, peas)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 green capsicum, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons Pav Bhaji masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped (for garnishing)
- Grated cheese (optional)
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can proceed to the next step of the recipe.
Get the Essential Ingredients for Pav Bhaji Fondue
Before you start making Pav Bhaji Fondue, it’s important to gather all the essential ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
1. Pav Bhaji Mix
Make sure you have a good quality Pav Bhaji mix. This will be the base for the fondue sauce and will give it the authentic flavors. You can either make your own Pav Bhaji masala or buy it from a store.
2. Vegetables
Pav Bhaji Fondue is all about the vegetables. You’ll need a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, and peas. Chop them into small pieces so that they cook evenly in the fondue sauce.
3. Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in Pav Bhaji Fondue. It adds richness and enhances the flavors of the dish. Use unsalted butter for the best results.
4. Bread
Pav Bhaji is traditionally served with bread rolls called “pav.” You’ll need a good quality pav for the fondue. You can either buy them or make your own at home.
5. Cheese
Cheese is an optional ingredient in Pav Bhaji Fondue, but it adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the dish. Use a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
6. Garnish
To garnish your Pav Bhaji Fondue, you can use chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. These toppings add freshness and brightness to the dish.
Ensure that you have all these essential ingredients before you begin making Pav Bhaji Fondue. Once you have everything ready, you can proceed to the next steps of the recipe.
Chop the Vegetables and Herbs
One of the key steps in making Pav Bhaji Fondue is to chop the vegetables and herbs. Here is a list of vegetables and herbs you will need:
- 1 large onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves
Start by washing all the vegetables and herbs thoroughly. Peel the onion, garlic cloves, and ginger. Finely chop the onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. Once done, roughly chop the fresh coriander leaves.
Having all the vegetables and herbs chopped and organized before you start cooking will save you time and make the cooking process smoother.
Cook the Pav Bhaji Mixture
To make the pav bhaji mixture, start by heating a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and allow it to heat up.
Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Next, add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell goes away.
Add 1 cup of boiled and mashed mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, cauliflower, and capsicum to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Now, add 2 cups of tomato puree and mix it in with the vegetables. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the pav bhaji masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Finally, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and give it a good stir. Cook the mixture for another minute and then remove it from the heat.
The pav bhaji mixture is now ready to be served as a delicious fondue.
Heat a Pan and Add Oil
To start making Pav Bhaji Fondue, first, heat a pan over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan and let it heat up.
Note: You can use any cooking oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil or olive oil.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding any other ingredients. You can check if the oil is ready by sprinkling a few drops of water into the pan. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the oil is hot and ready.
Heating the oil is important as it helps in cooking the vegetables and spices evenly, giving a delicious flavor to the Pav Bhaji Fondue.
Saute the Onions and Garlic
To start making Pav Bhaji Fondue, begin by sautéing the onions and garlic.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Next, add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for a minute until it becomes fragrant.
Make sure to stir the onions and garlic occasionally to prevent them from burning.
Why sauté onions and garlic?
Sautéing the onions and garlic helps to release their flavors and aromas, which adds depth and richness to the Pav Bhaji Fondue.
It also helps to soften the onions and garlic, making them more enjoyable to eat in the fondue.
Additionally, sautéing the onions and garlic helps to remove any raw or harsh flavors, resulting in a more balanced and delicious dish.
Tips:
- Use a non-stick pan for sautéing to prevent the onions and garlic from sticking to the bottom.
- Make sure to finely chop the onions so that they cook evenly and melt into the fondue.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the onions and garlic from burning.
Add the Vegetables and Spices
Once the pressure has been released, open the cooker and add the vegetables to the mixture. You can use a potato masher to mash the vegetables slightly, ensuring they are well mixed with the spicy tomato gravy.
Next, add the pav bhaji masala powder and mix well. This will give the dish its signature spicy and tangy flavor. You can adjust the amount of masala powder according to your taste preference.
At this stage, you can also add any additional spices or herbs of your choice to enhance the flavor. Some popular options include cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Add these spices as per your liking and mix everything together.
Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the cooker. This will help the flavors to blend together and develop a rich and aromatic taste.
Once the vegetables and spices are well combined, you can add a little water if the mixture seems too thick. Stir well and continue simmering for a few more minutes until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Your pav bhaji fondue is now ready to be served! Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with pav buns or any other bread of your choice.
Q&A
What is Pav Bhaji Fondue?
Pav Bhaji Fondue is a twist on the popular Indian street food dish called Pav Bhaji. It is a creamy and flavourful dish made with a mix of mashed vegetables and spices, served with bread rolls called pav. In this variation, the bhaji is transformed into a fondue-like consistency and served with toasted pav on the side.
How do I make Pav Bhaji Fondue at home?
To make Pav Bhaji Fondue at home, start by boiling and mashing a mix of vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, peas, and carrots. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Once the onions turn brown, add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Cook the mixture well and then add the mashed vegetables. Mix everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. In a separate pan, melt butter and add garlic, pav bhaji masala, and red chilli powder. Toast the pav buns in the buttered pan until they are crispy. Serve the hot Pav Bhaji Fondue with the toasted pav buns on the side.
Can I customize the toppings for Pav Bhaji Fondue?
Yes, you can definitely customize the toppings for Pav Bhaji Fondue according to your preferences. Some popular toppings for Pav Bhaji Fondue include finely chopped onions, chopped coriander leaves, grated cheese, and a dollop of butter. You can also add a sprinkle of pav bhaji masala on top for extra flavour. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and add any other ingredients you like to enhance the taste of the dish.