Pav Bhaji - The classic mumbai chat item

My husband loves to eat chat items whether it is on the streets or in a restaurant setting such as Kalyan Bhel in Pune. His love of chat is definitely rubbed off to my kids who love eating any type of chat item, you name it (Pani puri, Bhel Puri, Vada Pav, Pav bhaji, Misal Pav, Aloo tikki, Papdi chat),  that too from a road side vendor - with Pani Puri and Bhel Puri being their favorites.

Pav (type of bread similar to burgen bun) is available in every corner bakery store in Pune is essential to this recipe. The bhaji is a spicy mix of potatoes, onion and tomatoes - quite simple to make. I used to use Burger buns when I was in US instead of Pav, and it used to be a hit among my friends during social gatherings.. especially in Madison..So here you go.. the classic Chat of Mumbai..

Pav Bhaji
Ingredients
Onion - 2 (finelly chopped)
Tomatoes - 5-6
Boiled peas - 1 cups
Boiled potatoes - 4-5 medium size
1/2 cup Coriander leaves - finely chopped
Pav Bhaji Masala (Everest): 2-3 tbsp
OR
Garam Masala - 1-2 Tbsp
Oil - 3-4 Tbsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tbsp
Salt to taste

Directions

Heat oil and add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds, once they sputter, add the onions and let it saute for 2-3 min until brown.
Add tomatoes, and masala powder and let it mix well with the mix
Add the chilli powder and salt and let it cook until oil slicks out. Add the peas and the potatoes and mash them well in the mix with a flat spatula. Let the entire mix cook for 5-10 min in low heat. Add water if needed to bring a thick gravy consistency. Serve hot with Pav (slightly grilled in butter) after garnishing on top with chopped onion and cilantro leaves.