Masala Pav

Masala Pav is a popular street food from Mumbai, India, known for its spicy and tangy flavors. It consists of buttered and toasted bread rolls (pav) served with a spicy vegetable masala.

simple recipe to make Masala Pav at home:

Ingredients:

For the Masala:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/4 cup boiled peas (optional)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon

For the Pav:

• 4 pav (bread rolls)
• Butter for toasting
• Pav bhaji masala (optional, for sprinkling on the pav)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Masala:
   • Heat oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
   • Add chopped bell pepper and green chilies. Sauté for a few minutes until the bell pepper softens.
   • Add tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
   • Add the boiled and mashed potatoes and peas (if using). Mix everything thoroughly.
   • Cook the mixture for a few minutes, mashing it slightly as you go.
   • Add chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well and remove from heat.
2. Toast the Pav:
   • Slice the pav horizontally without cutting them completely.
   • Heat a flat pan or tawa and add butter.
   • Place the pav on the pan and toast them until they are golden and crispy. You can sprinkle some pav bhaji masala on the butter for extra flavor.
3. Assemble the Masala Pav:
   • Spread the prepared masala on one side of the toasted pav.
   • You can also place some masala inside the pav if you like.
   • Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped coriander leaves and a wedge of lemon on the side.