instant pot pav bhaji

Pav Bhaji in a Pinch

Serves 6

Get ready for a burst of flavor with this quick and easy Instant Pot Pav Bhaji recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Avocado oil
• 2 dried chili peppers
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
• 1/2 tbsp garam masala (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large zucchini, chopped
• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, corn, and carrots)
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to the "Saute" function, and heat the avocado oil. Add the dried chili peppers, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for 1 minute, then add the ground cinnamon.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the diced Roma tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, then add the crushed tomatoes, garlic, and ginger paste. Stir well.
3. Add the chili powder, paprika, turmeric, pav bhaji masala, garam masala (if using), and water. Stir thoroughly, making sure all the spices are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Add the cauliflower florets, chopped carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir well to combine.
5. Close the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to "Sealing." Set the cook time to 8 minutes at high pressure.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, switch the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
7. Carefully open the lid and stir in the lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the Pav Bhaji over warm pav (Indian bread rolls) or with rice, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Bon appétit!

Want to upgrade your Instant Pot Pav Bhaji?

• Add 1 cup of frozen peas into the Instant Pot with the mixed vegetables to add a pop of green color and extra texture.
• Stir in 1 cup of grated paneer (Indian cheese) at the end of cooking for a creamy and satisfying finish.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Sources:

• [Enrichment Data]

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