Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Pav Bhaji Masala

Pav bhaji masala is a beloved Indian street food dish, offering a delightful mix of spices and vegetables served with buttered bread rolls. To enhance your dining experience, consider serving a variety of side dishes that complement and balance the rich flavors of the bhaji. Below are some excellent options to elevate your pav bhaji meal.

1. Onion and Lemon Salad

Creating a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich bhaji, an onion and lemon salad is a fantastic choice. Ingredients:
- Finely chopped onions
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt
- Green chilies
To prepare:
1. Chop the onions finely and place them in a bowl.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice and mix it with the chopped onions.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and finely chopped green chilies.
4. Optionally, add a bit of finely chopped herbs for more aromatic notes.

2. Cucumber Raita

For a cooling and refreshing side, cucumber raita is an ideal complement. This yogurt-based dish offers a perfect balance to the heat of the pav bhaji. Ingredients:
- Grated cucumber
- Plain yogurt
- Finely chopped mint leaves
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of cumin seeds (optional)
To prepare:
1. Mix grated cucumber with plain yogurt.
2. Add finely chopped mint leaves, salt, and cumin seeds if desired.
3. Mix well and allow to chill before serving.

3. Papad

To add a delightful crunch, serve crispy papadums alongside the bhaji. They provide a nice texture to the meal. Option: You can also try masala papads, which offer an additional layer of flavor. No need for further preparation; just add them to your serving tray.

4. Pickles

Indian pickles, known as achar, can be a wonderful addition. Try mango or lime pickles to enhance the flavor profile and add a tangy kick to the bhaji. Option: Achar can be enjoyed directly or served with the pav bhaji.

5. Chutneys

For additional flavor and spice, serve green chutney made from coriander and mint or a tamarind chutney. These chutneys can be drizzled over the bhaji or provided as a separate condiment. Ingredients: - Coriander leaves (for green chutney)
- Mint leaves (for green chutney)
- Tamarind paste
- Salt
- Garlic cloves
- Water (for green chutney)
- Jaggery (optional)
To prepare:
1. Blend coriander and mint leaves in a mixer to make a paste.
2. Add garlic, salt, water (for green chutney) and jaggery (optional) to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Sev

For a bit more texture, crispy sev, or thin chickpea noodles, can be sprinkled on top of the bhaji. This adds a unique crunch to your dish. No further preparation is needed; simply garnish your bhaji with sev.

7. Vegetable Pakoras

Taking a step up from simple snacks, vegetable pakoras can be a delightful side dish. Made from mixed vegetables, they enhance the overall meal with more flavors and textures. Ingredients: - Potatoes, eggplant, and chili (or your choice of vegetables)
- Whole wheat flour or besan
- Gram flour
- Rice flour (optional)
- Salt
- Turmeric powder
- Carom seeds (optional)
- Gram flour for coating
To prepare:
1. Wash and chop the vegetables into small pieces.
2. In a mixing bowl, add flour, gram flour, and rice flour, mix well.
3. Add salt, turmeric, and carom seeds (if using).
4. Mix in the chopped vegetables and make batter.
5. Heat oil in a pan and fry the pakoras until golden brown.

8. Bhaji Puri

For a fun and crispy side, small deep-fried puris can be served alongside the bhaji. They add an interesting texture to your meal. Ingredients: - Atta (whole wheat flour)
- Salt
- Ghee or vegetable oil
To prepare:
1. Mix flour with salt.
2. Knead into dough and roll into small puris.
3. Deep-fry until golden brown and crispy.

Additional Recommendations:
- For a cold and refreshing option, try a oolatte milk or another beverage to compliment the spices of the bhaji.
- If you enjoy nuts, you can also serve a roasted peanut salad, which includes chopped onions and tomatoes, mixed with salt, red chili powder, and chopped coriander.

Remember, pav bhaji masala is a complete wholesome meal on its own. However, to make your dining experience more elaborate, consider serving paneer pakoras or chicken loppypop as appetizers, or for dessert, opt for a nice kheer. Another personal favorite is to combine pav bhaji with plain paper dosa, especially when enjoyed with lemon juice or soda. This pairing brings a fresh and delicious twist to your traditional Indian meal.