Do you know your beloved pav bhaji is not Indian? Read on to know how and when it came to India.
Crispy toasted pav along with spicy bhaji, topped with some chopped onions and a dollop of butter. Just the thought of it is enough to make food lovers drool. This flavoursome street food is not only popular in India, but is also liked by people of all ages alike. Made with mashed potatoes and several other vegetables, this lip-smacking delight has been a famous delicacy in India since time immemorial. Do you know that pav bhaji is actually not Indian? Yes, you read that right. Pav Bhaji might be the most-liked dish in Maharashtra but it doesn’t have Indian roots.
History of Pav Bhaji
Image Courtesy: Flickr
The roots of Pav Bhaji can be traced back to Portugese, where the dish is said to be originally made. The Portugese used to make pav bhaji with all the vegetables mixed together and used to consume it with bread. In Portugese, bread is known as ‘pão’, which is also called pav or pao in India. Many people say that ‘pav’ was named so, because it was 1/4th part of the bread. Pav bhaji came to India, when the Portuguese gifted Bombay (now Mumbai) to the British in dowry when Princess Catherine D Bragenza was married to British Prince Charles II. That’s how the delicious Pav Bhaji became the speciality of Mumbai and is till date known for its taste.
Don't Miss:Steel, Silver Or Ceramic? Which Is The Healthiest Utensil To Eat Food Everyday
The American Connection
Pav bhaji is also linked to American Civil War which happened from 1861-1865. During that time the British had a dearth of cotton supply because of the ongoing war in America. Thus, ordered the cotton mills in Mumbai to prepare cotton in bulk. To fulfill such huge orders, the workers had to work day and night. In order to keep the workers fed, small stalls were set outside such mills. They had to prepare food which was not only cheap but also easy to make. These stalls made pav bhaji from all the leftover vegetables from the day and used to serve it with buns. The meal was not only nutritious but was also available round the clock. As the number of mills spread across Mumbai, so did these pav bhaji stalls.
Don't Miss:Prepare Yummy Bournvita Barfi For Your Loved Ones In 30 Minutes With This Recipe
Famous in India
Today, this mouth-watering dish has spread to every part of India and is severed with a unique twist. While the Mumbai pav bhaji is spicy and served with traditionally chopped onions and coriander, the South India pav bhaji is given a tadka of curry leaves.
The pav bhaji variation made in Gujarat, also known as Jain pav bhaji is free of onion and garlic. The punjabi version of pav bhaji is made with extra butter and garam masala, which gives it a distinct flavour. It is served with a glass of buttermilk, which gives the dish a final punjabi touch.
How to make pav bhaji in an easy way
If you too want to prepare street style pav bhaji at home, then this is the easiest way.
- All you need to do is take 3-4 medium sized potatoes, one cup grated cauliflower, half cup of peas and one cup of diced carrots.
- Put them all in a pressure cooker and wait for two whistles.
- Now for the masala, turn on the flame and start by frying two big chopped onions in butter along with tomato puree.
- Add your boiled vegetables along with ginger, garlic and green chili paste.
- Now add all the spices such as turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, garam masala and pav bhaji masala.
- Add water to bring it to a proper consistency and keep mashing it for 8-10 minutes. Let the vegetables cook for another 15 minutes and your flavoursome pav bhaji is ready.
- Serve it with chopped onions, lemon and loads of butter.
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.com
FAQs
Pav bhaji is also linked to American Civil War which happened from 1861-1865. During that time the British had a dearth of cotton supply because of the ongoing war in America. Thus, ordered the cotton mills in Mumbai to prepare cotton in bulk. To fulfill such huge orders, the workers had to work day and night.
What is the history of Pav Bhaji in India? ›
History. The dish originated as a fast lunchtime dish for textile mill workers in Mumbai. Pav bhaji was later served at restaurants throughout the city. Pav bhaji is now offered at outlets from simple hand carts to formal restaurants in India and abroad.
How did pav come to India? ›
Bread is called 'Pao' in Portuguese and it is also called Pav in India. It is believed that when the Portuguese gave Mumbai as a dowry to the British government, Pav Bhaji also became a part of Mumbai.
What is the importance of Pav Bhaji? ›
People with anaemia can benefit from the high sodium content, which helps keep their blood pressure at the right level. Another benefit of using Pav Bhaji as a seasoning is that the sodium in it is important for keeping the amount of water in our bodies in balance.
What is the interesting fact about Pav Bhaji? ›
The origin of this dish traces back to textile mill workers in Mumbai in the 1850s. They had lunch breaks too short for a full meal, and a light lunch was preferred to a heavy one, as the employees had to return to strenuous physical labor after lunch.
When was pav introduced to India? ›
History. The most common theory of the vada pav's origin is that it was invented in the erstwhile mill-heartland of Central Mumbai. Ashok Vaidya of Dadar is often credited with starting the first vada pav stall outside Dadar railway station in 1966.
When did pav come to India? ›
Since we are going on a history trip here, would you be surprised to know that the origins of the word Batata (Potato) and also the word Pav (Bread) trace back to the Portuguese although they didn't invent the vada pav. The credit for inventing the rustic and mouth-watering Vada Pav goes to Ashok Vaidya in the 1960s.
Who invented pav in India? ›
The credit for inventing the rustic and mouth-watering Vada Pav goes to Ashok Vaidya.
Who brought pav to India? ›
Pav was introduced by the Portuguese in Mumbai. The cube-shaped bread is called “Pav” by the Portuguese and is prepared from Maida (refined wheat flour). Although the Portuguese left Mumbai over three centuries ago, Pav still rules the city and has become an intrinsic ingredient of Mumbai's food culture.
Where was pav originated? ›
A game of Central Asian origin, polo was first played in Persia (Iran) at dates given from the 6th century bc to the 1st century ad. Polo was at first a training game for cavalry units, usually the king's guard or other elite troops.
Pav Bhaji is an Indian fast food consisting of a thick spicy vegetable gravy served with soft dinner rolls. In Hindi and Marathi, the word 'Pav' means 'Bread roll or dinner roll' and 'Bhaji' means 'a vegetable dish'. Since these are served together as a meal, it is known as Pav Bhaji.
Why is pav bhaji healthy? ›
The vegetables provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and protein while the bread provides necessary carbs to kickstart your day. It can also be had as a light snack. Pav bhaji has a fascinating origin story.
Is Pav Bhaji north Indian? ›
Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish originating from Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai.
Why is pav bhaji favorite food? ›
One of the reasons for pav bhaji's popularity is its versatility. It can be eaten as a meal on its own, or it can be served as a snack or appetiser.
Is pav bhaji good or bad? ›
No, pav bhaji is not healthy. But you can make modifications to the recipe and can prepare a healthy version. You can add whole grain pav, use butter, potatoes, cauliflower, green peas, carrots, onions, capsicum, and tomatoes.
Is pav bhaji junk food? ›
There is no doubt that pav bhaji is among the most beloved street foods in India, but it falls short in the health department. The bhaji is typically made with generous amounts of ghee and butter, making it a source of unhealthy fats.
Who invented pav bhaji in Mumbai? ›
But who introduced Mumbai, or rather, the world to the mouth-watering and all time favorite pav bhaji? None other than Sardar Ahmed, who first began selling pav bhaji in Tardeo about 52 years back. The area being a hub of mills, attracted many workers who worked round-the-clock.
Which is the first pav bhaji shop in India? ›
The first pav bhaji shop in India is believed to be Sardar's Pav Bhaji, which was established in the 1960s in Mumbai. It played a pivotal role in popularising this iconic dish. Maharashtra was the first Indian state to give the tasty dish of pav bhaji.
