Pav Bhaji, a beloved street food from the heart of Mumbai, is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the city. This recipe takes the quintessential spicy blend of mashed vegetables, traditionally served with buttered pav (bread rolls), and reimagines it as elegant, deconstructed tartlets. The result is a playful yet sophisticated dish that marries the hearty, tangy essence of the classic with the finesse of French pastry. Each bite promises a burst of flavor, a buttery crunch, and a touch of nostalgia, artfully presented to delight the senses.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• Makes 12 Tartlets

From Your Pantry

• Butter (unsalted): 1/2 cup, plus extra for greasing
• All-purpose Flour: 1 1/2 cups, plus extra for dusting
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
• Chilli Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Wheat Bread Crumbs: 3 tablespoons

Additional Grocery Items Needed

• Potatoes: 2 medium, boiled and mashed
• Cauliflower: 1 cup, finely chopped
• Green Peas: 1/2 cup
• Bell Peppers: 1/2 cup, finely diced
• Tomatoes: 1 cup, finely chopped
• Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped
• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Pav Bhaji Masala: 2 tablespoons

Preparation

1. Make the Pastry Shells: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup butter, salt, and sugar. Knead into a smooth dough using cold water as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and press into greased mini tart pans. Prick with a fork and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Bhaji: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, bell peppers, and sauté for a few minutes. Add tomatoes, cauliflower, green peas, turmeric, chilli powder, cumin, and pav bhaji masala. Cook until vegetables are soft. Mash the mixture slightly, then stir in mashed potatoes. Cook for another 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning and stir in lemon juice and half of the cilantro.
3. Assemble the Tartlets: Spoon the bhaji mixture into the cooled pastry shells. Sprinkle with wheat bread crumbs for texture.
4. Garnish: Melt the remaining butter, stir in remaining cilantro, and drizzle over the tartlets before serving.

Expert Tips

• For a richer flavor, add a pinch of garam masala to the bhaji mixture.
• Ensure the pastry is chilled well to prevent shrinkage during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these deconstructed pav bhaji tartlets as a chic appetizer at your next dinner party. The fusion of Indian and French culinary traditions offers a unique taste experience that's sure to impress. Pair with a tangy tamarind chutney or a mint-coriander dip to enhance the flavors. A chilled cucumber raita on the side can also balance the spice perfectly.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g (Butter)
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, and don't hesitate to put your own spin on it. Experiment with different vegetables or spices to tailor the dish to your taste. Cooking is an adventure, and each variation of this recipe offers a new opportunity to explore and enjoy. Happy cooking!