Pav Bhaji | Instant Pot Pav Bhaji

Step 1

Set the Instant Pot in saute mode, and after 30 seconds, add the oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Let the butter melt and when the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 2

Mix 1 tbsp of tomato paste with 1/3cup of water without any lumps. Add this tomato paste water, chopped tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, salt, and red chili powder.

Step 3

Mix well and cook this mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 4

Now add all the veggies - potatoes, peas, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers.

Step 5

Add the remaining 2/3 cup of water and mix well.

Step 6

Turn off the Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot. Make sure the vent is in the sealing position. Select manual/pressure cook and set the time to 5-minutes at high-pressure mode. When the cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally. Carefully open the lid after releasing the pressure, and here is how the bhaji looks. It might be a little watery, and that's ok. As we blend and cook, it will thicken.

Step 7

Using a hand blender, blend the bhaji coarsely.

Step 8

Mix well and set the Instant Pot back in saute mode. Let it cook for two to three minutes. Then add the chopped cilantro and more butter. Mix well and turn off the Instant Pot.

Step 9

Heat a pressure pan or cooker and heat the oil and butter in the cooker. When it is hot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 10

Mix 1 tbsp of tomato paste with 1/3cup of water without any lumps. Add this tomato paste water, chopped tomatoes, pav bhaji masala, salt, and red chili powder. Mix well and cook this mixture for 5 minutes.

Step 11

Now add all the veggies - potatoes, peas, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers. Add the remaining 2/3 cup of water and mix well.

Step 12

Pressure cook for three whistles and let the pressure release naturally. Using a hand blender, blend the bhaji coarsely. Mix well and let it cook for two to three minutes.

Step 13

Now add the chopped cilantro and more butter. Mix well and turn off the heat.

Step 14

Heat the tawa or griddle and add little butter.

Step 15

Cut the pav buns horizontally and open the buns. You can leave the edges intact or cut them into two halves. Toast the pav buns on both sides. Pav buns are now ready.

Step 16

Plate the toasted pav buns with the prepared bhaji. Add some extra butter to the bhaji and garnish it with cilantro. Serve it along with some lemon/lime wedges and with chopped onion-bell pepper mix.