Masala Pav is a popular mumbai street food that features pav (soft bread rolls) served with a spicy, flavorful vegetable bhaji (spiced vegetable mash). It’s often served with a dollop of butter and a squeeze of lemon, making it a delightful snack or meal. Here’s how you can make Mumbai Street Style masala Pav at home.
Ingredients:
For the Bhaji (Spiced Vegetable Filling):
· 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
· 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, cauliflower, finely chopped)
· 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
· 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
· 2-3 green chilies, chopped
· 1-inch ginger, grated
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
· 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to spice level)
· 1 tsp pav bhaji masala (store-bought or homemade)
· 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
· 1/2 tsp garam masala
· 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) – optional
· salt to taste
· 2 tbsp oil or butter
· Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
· Lemon wedges (for serving)
· 1 tbsp butter (for extra flavor)
For the Pav (Bread Rolls):
· 8 pav (bread rolls), available at most indian bakeries or substitute with soft dinner rolls
· butter (for toasting pav)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bhaji (Vegetable Filling):
1. Heat oil and temper Spices:
o Heat 2 tablespoons of oil (or butter) in a large pan over medium heat.
o Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
2. Cook onions and Tomatoes:
o Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and golden brown.
o Stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate.
3. Add Vegetables:
o Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, cauliflower, etc.) and cook for about 5 minutes. You can either cook them until tender, or you can partially mash them using the back of a spoon if you prefer a smoother texture.
4. Mash and Mix:
o Add the boiled and mashed potatoes to the vegetable mixture and mix well.
o Add pav bhaji masala, garam masala, kasuri methi (optional), and adjust salt as needed.
o Pour in about 1/2 cup of water to create a slightly runny consistency. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. You can add more water if needed to get your desired consistency.
o Mash the bhaji further with a masher if you prefer a smoother texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish and Set Aside:
o Once the bhaji is cooked and the flavors are well blended, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Pav (Bread Rolls):
1. Heat the Pan:
o In a separate pan or tawa (griddle), heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter on medium heat.
2. Toast the Pav:
o Cut the pav (bread rolls) horizontally, making a pocket. You can either cut them halfway or all the way through.
o Place the open pav on the pan and toast each side in the butter until golden and crispy. press lightly with a spatula to ensure even toasting.
o You can also toast the pav with a little pav bhaji masala sprinkled on top of the butter for extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve:
1. Assemble masala Pav:
o Take a toasted pav, stuff it with a generous portion of bhaji, and place it on a serving plate.
o You can also serve the bhaji separately with pav on the side, allowing everyone to scoop the bhaji into the pav themselves.
2. Serve with Garnishes:
o Serve the masala pav with a side of lemon wedges and more fresh coriander leaves.
o Optionally, serve with a side of onion slices and a sprinkle of chaat masala for extra crunch and flavor.
Health Benefits of masala Pav:
1. Rich in Vegetables:
o The bhaji is packed with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower, providing a good dose of fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals like potassium and iron.
2. Protein from Pulses and Vegetables:
o The mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables offer a moderate amount of plant-based protein. You can further boost the protein content by adding beans or lentils to the bhaji.
3. High in Dietary Fiber:
o The vegetables, particularly peas and carrots, are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
4. Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates:
o The pav provides a good amount of carbohydrates that give you energy for the day. Whole wheat pav can be a healthier option compared to refined flour pav for those looking to increase fiber intake.
5. Antioxidant-Rich:
o Spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric not only add flavor but are also known for their antioxidant properties. They help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
6. Healthy fats (when using butter in moderation):
o The butter used in the recipe adds flavor and a source of healthy fats. ghee can be used as a substitute for an even richer taste.
7. Customizable to Dietary Needs:
o The recipe can be made vegan by replacing butter with oil or ghee, and you can adjust the level of spices based on your preference.
Tips for Perfect masala Pav:
· Masala Consistency: If the bhaji is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to fill the pav but not too dry.
· Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies, red chili powder, and pav bhaji masala to your desired spice level. The masala should have a balanced, spicy yet tangy flavor.
· Ghee Option: To make your masala pav richer and more authentic, you can use ghee instead of butter when toasting the pav.
Enjoy this Mumbai Street Style masala Pav at home for an authentic street food experience! The crispy pav with the spicy and flavorful vegetable filling makes it an irresistible snack or meal.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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