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A plate with six pieces of toasted bread, also known as Pav, and a bowl of spicy Instant Pot Pav Bhaji, topped with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges, served on a white background.
Print Recipe

Instant Pot Pav Bhaji (Vegan Indian-style Sloppy Joes)

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Meena, www.hookedonheat.com

Ingredients

For the Bhaji

  • 3 tbsp light cooking oil
  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
  • 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium-sized green bell pepper finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp pav bhaji masala
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp amchoor powder
  • 2 large tomatoes finely chopped
  • 4 medium-sized potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 medium-sized carrots peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup water
  • salt to taste

To Serve

  • 12 mini dinner rolls or slider buns
  • 1 tbsp light cooking oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1-2 limes cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Set the pressure cooker to Saute mode and heat oil for a few seconds. Once the oil is warm, add in the cumin seeds.
  • As soon as the cumin seeds start to sizzle, add in the ginger, garlic, chopped onion and green pepper, and fry for a few minutes till begin to lightly brown along the edges.
  • Add in the tomato paste and spices, and fry for a few seconds to mix everything well.
  • Add in chopped tomatoes, give it a food mix and let it cook for a few minutes till the tomatoes start to pulp and blend with the spice mixture. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from getting burnt.
  • Mix in the potatoes, carrots, peas and corn, and add in the water. Give it another mix and close the lid of the pressure cooker. Set it to the Pressure cooking mode with the timer set to 5 minutes.
  • Once the time is done, allow the pressure to release naturally. Be careful while opening the lid, and give it a good stir. Using a potato masher, carefully mash the curry into a smooth consistency. You can add in more hot water depending on how thick you like your Bhaji. Adjust the seasoning and add in salt if needed.

To Serve:

  • Lightly oil both sides of the buns and warm them up on a pan until the edges start to crisp.
  • Garnish the Bhaji with chopped onions, fresh cilantro and lime wedges and serve warm.

Notes

I’ve used my 6 Quart Instant Pot for this recipe, but any kind of electric pressure cooker will work.