Jain Pav-Bhaji / Bhaji Pav

Jains beleive---Ananta-käyas are the plants which are inhabited, not like the majority of the vegetable kingdom by individual jivas (living beings), but by an infinite number of living organisms. Potatoes, onions, carrot, garlic, ginger, tuber and other root vegetables are included. Jain concept is based on a thorough insight into plant physiology and morphology as is shown by the recognition of the role of roots and stems is for future generations. I have used Cilantro in this recipe, which is not acceptable, on particular days, in that case one can use dried cilantro.



Preparation time: 12 - 15 mins

Cooking time : 15-20 mins

Serves: 4

Here is the Saatvik way of making a Pav -Bhaji:



Ingredients:



4 med sized raw plantains/cooking banana, peeled and cut into 2- 3 pieces

1 C Cauliflower florets

1 C Chopped Green Bell Pepper

2 C Chrushed Tomatoes / Chopped tomatoes work as well

1/2 C Boiled Green Peas / Frozen - thawed

2 tsp Butter + 1 tsp Canola Oil

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds

2- 1/2 tsp Pav Bhaji Masala ( Any Brand, I used Badshah)

1 tsp Red Chilli Powder

Salt to taste



Garnishing:

1 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro / Coriander leaves

1 tsp Lemon juice

1/2 tsp Butter



Method:



1. Pressure Cook Plantain peeled & cut in 2-3 pieces + Cauliflower with some water, for about, 2 - 3 whistles.

2. Mash it with a masher, and keep it aside.

3. Heat Butter + Canola oil, and temper "Jeera" Cumin seeds, once it starts splutering, add chopped bell-peppers, & cook for a while.

4. Now add chrushed tomatoes, green peas, red chilli pwd, pav-bhaji masala, salt & add already kept mashed cooked plantain + cauliflower.

5. Mix everything together, cook for a while.

6. Add lemon juice, chopped- cilantro, some butter and serve hot with regular / masala pav (Sour-dough Bread goes very well with this recipe)

For Masala Pav:



1. In a bowl add 1 tsp butter with 1 pinch of chaat masala + pav-bhaji masala + black salt with some chopped cilantro & mix it well.

2. Now with a butter knife / spoon apply this on the Pav (bread) of your choice.

3. Serve hot with Bhaji & Popaddum (papad)



Other variations in Pav Bhaji



? Jain pav bhaji ? pav bhaji without potatoes, onion and garlic

? Khada pav bhaji ? cook the same way but don't mash the vegetables

. Peas pav bhaji -- Add fresh / dried soaked overnight green peas with tomatoes, and no more vegetables

? Paneer pav bhaji ? regular pav bhaji garnished with loads of paneer

? Cheese pav bhaji ? regular pav bhaji garnished with cheese