Introduction:

 

I vividly remember the first time I tried Masala Pav at a bustling street food stall in Mumbai. The aroma of the spicy masala, mixed with the toasted pav, immediately drew me in. I couldn't resist, and when I took my first bite, I was hit with an explosion of flavors—the tanginess, the heat, and the buttery softness of the pav were unforgettable. It quickly became a favorite snack for me, something I’d seek out during every visit to Mumbai.

Years later, I decided to recreate the dish at home. I was nervous because I wanted to capture that authentic street-style flavor, but after experimenting a few times, I nailed it. Now, whenever I make Masala Pav, it takes me right back to those street stalls, reliving that moment of pure foodie joy.

 

Ingredients of Masala Pav

 

For Red Chutney:

• 25-30 garlic cloves
• 15-20 soaked Kashmiri chilies
• Water (as required)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil

For Masala:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 chopped onions
• 1 chopped capsicum
• 2 chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala
• 3 tbsp chili garlic chutney
• Splash of water

For Pav Preparation:

• 1 tbsp oil
• ½ tbsp butter
• ½ tbsp chopped green chili
• ½ tbsp pav bhaji masala
• 2 tbsp chili garlic chutney
• ½ tbsp chopped coriander
• 1 tsp kasoori methi
• 4-5 cheese slices
• Grated cheese (for garnish)

 

Instructions of Masala Pav

 

Step 1: Prepare the Red Chutney

• In a mixer jar, add garlic cloves, soaked Kashmiri chilies, salt, oil, and a small amount of water.
• Blend everything into a smooth paste.
• This will be the spicy and garlicky chutney for the dish.
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Step 2: Cook the Masala Base

• Heat oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them crackle, then add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent.
• Add capsicum, tomatoes, and season with salt, red chili powder, coriander powder, and roasted cumin powder.
• Cook until vegetables are soft and the raw smell of the spices disappears.
• 

 

Step 3: Season the Masala

• Add garam masala, pav bhaji masala, and kasoori methi. Stir well.
• Add a splash of water to prevent sticking and mash the mixture into a cohesive masala base.

 

Step 4: Cook the Red Garlic Chutney

• Create space in the pan, add butter, and cook a portion of the prepared chutney.
• Mix thoroughly with the masala, and set the mixture aside.

 

Step 5: Prepare and Toast the Pav

• On a tawa, heat butter, oil, green chilies, and pav bhaji masala. Add red chutney and stir well.
• Toast the pav buns in this mixture. Place a cheese slice between the halves and toast until crispy.

 

Step 6: Serve the Masala Pav

• Garnish with chopped coriander and grated cheese. Serve hot with extra chutney or raita on the side.
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About the Recipe:

 

Masala Pav is a popular Indian street food that is as comforting as it is flavorful. Made with a spicy, tangy masala mixture that is stuffed into soft, toasted pav (bread rolls), this dish can be whipped up in minutes. The base of the masala typically consists of onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that give it that iconic taste.

What makes Masala Pav special is its simplicity—though it’s quick to make, the flavors are anything but simple. You get the perfect balance of heat, acidity, and creaminess, thanks to the buttery pav. Whether you’re making it as a snack or a light dinner, Masala Pav delivers a burst of Indian street food flavor that’s hard to beat.

 

Cooking Tips:

 

• Use fresh pav: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh pav. If you can't find pav, you can substitute with dinner rolls, but make sure they are soft and fluffy.
• Control the spice level: If you prefer a milder masala, reduce the amount of green chilies or skip them entirely. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance out the heat.
• Toast the pav properly: Toasting the pav in butter until it's golden and crispy on the outside enhances its flavor and texture, making the dish more satisfying.
• Adjust the consistency: If your masala feels too thick, add a little water to get a smoother consistency, ensuring it coats the pav evenly.

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Masala Pav pairs wonderfully with a refreshing yogurt-based drink like chaas (buttermilk) or a chilled glass of sweet lassi. The creaminess of these drinks complements the spicy masala. For a more indulgent meal, serve it with crispy fries or a tangy kachumber salad on the side, which will add a refreshing crunch. You can also pair Masala Pav with a tangy tamarind chutney for an extra layer of flavor.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

1. What is Masala Pav?
Masala Pav is a popular Indian street food dish made by stuffing spicy masala into soft, toasted pav (bread rolls). The masala typically includes onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Indian spices.

2. How can I make Masala Pav less spicy?
To make Masala Pav less spicy, reduce the number of green chilies or skip them altogether. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the heat.

3. Can I use any type of bread for Masala Pav?
While pav is the traditional bread used, you can substitute it with dinner rolls or even burger buns if pav is not available. Just make sure the bread is soft and fluffy.

4. Can I prepare the masala ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the masala ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it when you're ready to serve the Masala Pav.

5. How do I toast the pav for Masala Pav?
Toast the pav in butter on a hot pan until it turns golden and crispy on the outside. This enhances the flavor and texture of the pav.

6. Is Masala Pav a healthy dish?
Masala Pav is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats due to the bread and butter, but you can make it healthier by using whole wheat pav and reducing the amount of butter used for toasting.

7. Can I add vegetables to the masala?
Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the masala for added nutrition and flavor.

8. How long does it take to make Masala Pav?
Masala Pav is a quick dish to prepare. It takes about 15-20 minutes to make the masala and toast the pav.

9. Can Masala Pav be served as a meal?
While traditionally served as a snack, Masala Pav can easily be turned into a light meal when paired with sides like fries, salad, or a cooling yogurt-based drink.

10. What are some other dishes similar to Masala Pav?
Similar street food dishes include Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, and Misal Pav, which also use pav bread but are served with different types of flavorful fillings or sides.