Who doesn’t love Pav Bhaji, the classic Indian street food that’s a combination of spicy, mashed vegetables served with buttery pav? In many Indian households, Pav Bhaji nights are a regular affair, often leading to leftovers. But rather than reheating the same dish, why not get creative and turn those leftovers into new culinary delights? Growing up, I remember my mother’s ingenuity in the kitchen, transforming leftover Pav Bhaji into exciting new meals. Here are some delicious and inventive ways to give your leftover Pav Bhaji a second life.
Turn Pav Bhaji into a Sandwich
Transform your leftover Pav Bhaji into a scrumptious sandwich. Take some fresh bread slices, spread a generous layer of Pav Bhaji, and add some grated cheese and finely chopped onions. Toast the sandwich on a tawa or in a sandwich maker until it's golden brown and crispy. This makes for a quick and tasty snack, perfect for breakfast or a tea-time treat.
Create Tawa Pulao with Leftover Bhaji
Tawa Pulao is a popular street food in Mumbai, and you can easily make it using leftover Pav Bhaji. Heat some oil on a tawa or a large pan, add some chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies, and sauté until the onions are translucent. Mix in the leftover Pav Bhaji and some cooked rice, and stir well until everything is combined and heated through. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a flavour-packed meal.
Enjoy Bhaji with Paratha
Another simple yet delightful way to reuse leftover Pav Bhaji is to serve it with paratha. You can either use plain parathas or stuffed ones, depending on your preference. Heat the Pav Bhaji and serve it as a side dish with hot, crispy parathas. This combination makes for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or lunch, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Spread Bhaji on Chilla
Chillas, or savoury Indian pancakes made from gram flour, are a nutritious and tasty option for breakfast or snacks. Spread a thin layer of leftover Pav Bhaji on top of the chilla batter while it’s cooking on the tawa. Cook until the chilla is crispy and the bhaji is heated through. This fusion dish combines the flavours of Pav Bhaji with the lightness of chilla, creating a unique and delicious meal.
Make Cutlets with Pav Bhaji
Leftover Pav Bhaji can be turned into delicious cutlets. Mix the Pav Bhaji with some boiled and mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, and a handful of chopped coriander. Shape the mixture into small patties and coat them with breadcrumbs. Shallow fry the cutlets until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve these cutlets with green chutney or tomato ketchup as a snack or appetiser.