Mumbai Pav Bhaji Toast Recipe – Quick & Easy Cheese Bread

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Mumbai Pav Bhaji Toast Recipe – Quick & Easy Cheese Bread

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love the vibrant flavors of Pav Bhaji, but sometimes you just want something…quicker. I first made this Pav Bhaji Toast when I was craving that spicy, buttery goodness but didn’t have the time for the full-on bhaji experience. It’s seriously become a weeknight staple in my house, and I’m so excited to share it with you! It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and Indian flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mumbai Pav Bhaji Toast is a total game-changer. It takes all the deliciousness of pav bhaji – that spicy, tangy vegetable mash – and transforms it into a super satisfying, cheesy toast. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights, a quick lunch, or even a fun snack. Plus, who doesn’t love melted mozzarella?!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful toast:

• 100g Onion
• 50g Bell Peppers (I like a mix of colors for extra vibrancy!)
• 200g Tomato
• 2 Green chilli (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 Tbsp Butter (plus 2 tbsp for toasting)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tsp Pav Bhaji Masala
• 4 slices Whole wheat bread (or your favorite bread)
• 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Pav Bhaji Masala: This is key. It’s a blend of spices that gives pav bhaji its signature flavor. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. MDH and Everest are popular brands.
• Bread Choice: I prefer whole wheat bread for a bit more texture and fiber, but white bread works beautifully too – especially if you’re going for that classic pav bhaji feel.
• Mozzarella: I use a block of mozzarella and grate it myself, as it melts better than pre-shredded. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is a good choice to avoid a soggy toast.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and a splash of oil in a thick-bottomed pan or tava over medium heat. This prevents the butter from burning.
2. Add the chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, gently mashing them with a potato masher to create a chunky base. Don’t overthink it – a little texture is good!
5. Mix in the red chilli powder and pav bhaji masala. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to keep things from sticking and to help the flavors meld. Remove from the heat.
6. Now for the fun part! Generously butter both sides of each bread slice. Seriously, don’t skimp on the butter – it’s what makes it golden and crispy.
7. Spread the pav bhaji mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice, then top with a generous helping of grated mozzarella.
8. For the stovetop method: Cook on a preheated pan over low heat, covered, for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown.
9. For the oven method: Broil at 200°C (390°F) for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until the cheese bubbles and the edges are nicely crisp.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the vegetables. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
• Mashing the tomatoes really helps create that authentic pav bhaji texture.
• Keep the heat low when toasting the bread to prevent burning the butter.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and vegan mozzarella cheese. There are some great options available now! My friend, Priya, swears by the Daiya mozzarella shreds.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add more or less green chili and red chili powder to adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Festival Adaptation: This makes a fantastic quick snack for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi! It’s easy to make a big batch and share with family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Pav Bhaji Toast immediately while it’s hot and cheesy! It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with a side of ketchup or a cooling raita (yogurt dip). A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a nice fresh touch.

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover pav bhaji base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it before spreading on the bread and toasting.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes! You can reduce or omit the green chilies to make it milder for little ones.
• Can I make the pav bhaji base ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.
• What is the best type of bread to use? Whole wheat or white bread both work well. It really comes down to personal preference.
• Can I use a different cheese? Cheddar or a mozzarella-cheddar blend would also be tasty!
• How can I adjust the spice level? Control the amount of green chilies and red chili powder you use. Start with less and add more to taste.

Enjoy! I hope you love this quick and easy Pav Bhaji Toast as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!