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While I work on a smoky quinoa sloppy joes recipe, here is a delicious Indian version. Pav bhaji. Pav is fluffy buns. Bhaji is veggies cooked in a spicy tomato base. These sloppy burgers are lentil-free.
The masala blend used in this vegetable stew is called Pav bhaji Masala. It can be found in Indian stores or be bought online On Amazon- MTR or MDH brand). or hopefully soon on my etsy store. I need my Mum’s help intervention. She makes some fantastic masalas from scratch.
And as the story goes… There was once a tired gal, who went to get her some answers about her machine color woes. And to her dismay found out, that the display is sooo new technology, that it cannot be calibrated to a color selection that she is comfortable with. So she had to return the beautiful machine to the overcrowded pretty store and start her search from square one.
I couldnt live with my lettuce looking like the florescent green on the construction zone signs. It didnt help that the mac store geniuses were borderline rude and constantly trying to sell me random training membership that I did not need( almost 20 times). I was quite offended by their we know all attitude. Stay away from the Retina display until it can be calibrated and stay away from the University district Apple store.
The bhaji is a tomatoey Vegetable stew. The buns that I used for the pictures are whole grain burger buns. Pav buns are soft white like these super Soft buns. Pav bhaji is a common street side food, usually served on a plate with shallow fried buns on the side. The garnish is some fresh crunchy onion, cilantro, lemon juice/wedges and dollop of butter on top. I use extra virgin olive oil or earth balance buttery spread for the buttery effect. Use your fave gf bread/buns to make this dish glutenfree.
Bhaji – Vegetable stew
Gluten, Soy, dairy, egg, nut, corn, free.
Cook time: 35-40 minutes. Makes 3-4 servings.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoon organic canola oil or earth balance butter
1-2 green chilies chopped
1 Tablespoon ginger garlic paste (grind half an inch ginger and 3-4 cloves of garlic with a little water or oil)
3 medium tomatoes chopped
1 medium potato, boiled and cubed
1 cup chopped cauliflower
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup peas
2-3 teaspoon Pav bhaji masala(or use garam masala + 1/2 teaspoon raw mango powder)
garnish:
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 medium onion chopped
a few teaspoons of Extra virgin olive oil or Earth balance non dairy butter
lemon juice to taste
Method:
Add oil to a medium sized deep pan and heat on medium.
Add green chilies and saute for a few seconds then ginger-garlic paste. Stir-fry for half a minute.
Add half the tomatoes and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously till oil separates or tomatoes are mushy and cooked.
Add bell pepper, peas, cauliflower, potatoes ( and other veggies of choice, carrots, green beans) and 3/4 cup of water.
Bring it to a boil and simmer for ten minutes.
Mash the veggies lightly and add Pav bhaji Masala, salt and tomatoes.
Mix, taste and adjust salt and spice.
Cook on low for 3-4 minute until the stew becomes thick.
Prep the Pav/buns. Spread a little earth balance or extra virgin olive on on the cut sides and toast on pan on medium heat, until brown on the edges.
Serve the bhaji stew with the buns on the side, and bhaji garnished with cilantro, chopped onion and lemon juice and a thin slice of earth balance or a drizzle of evoo.
Or serve as Sloppy Joe burgers, Toasted buns with greens topped with hot bhaji, then cilantro, chopped onion, lemon juice and a drizzle of evoo. Sprinkle a bit more Pav bhaji masala to taste.
This bhaji is being shared at Slightly indulgent Tuesdays, Hearth and soul blog hop, Allergy friendly wednesdays, Ricki’s wellness weekend,
Hey I just found your blog and am so excited! I love Indian food and I want to learn how to make the vegan versions. Thank you!
I like the flavors you used here and more vegetables at dinner is always a good idea. thanks for sharing on Hearth & Soul Hop. 🙂
Indian sloppy joes is a great idea!! Though I’m reluctant to foods that goes soggy 😀
Awww..too bad they’re still giving you trouble! Drown your sorrows in that delicious bhaji, works for me :))