Half Fry Pav
A quintessential Mumbai street food delight! A perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg rests on a bed of spicy, tangy onion-tomato masala, served with soft, buttered pav. It's a quick, protein-packed meal perfect for breakfast or a snack.
For 2 servings
Prepare the Masala Base
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and light golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilli. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the finely chopped tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and pulpy.
Add Spices
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Mix everything well and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant and the butter starts to separate from the masala.
Cook the Eggs (Half Fry)
- Spread the prepared masala evenly in the pan to form a bed. Make two small indentations or 'wells' in the masala.
- Carefully crack one egg into each well, directly over the masala.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and red chilli powder over each yolk for seasoning.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes. The goal is to have the egg whites fully set while the yolks remain runny.
Toast the Pav and Serve
- While the eggs are cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on a separate tawa (griddle) or pan.
- Slice the pav buns horizontally and place them on the tawa. Toast for about a minute on each side until they are warm, lightly golden, and crisp.
- Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves.
- Carefully slide the egg masala onto a plate and serve immediately with the hot, buttered pav.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a perfectly runny yolk, cook on low heat and watch it closely. If you prefer a firmer yolk, cook for an additional minute.
- 2Using a non-stick pan is highly recommended to prevent the eggs from sticking and ensure easy serving.
- 3To help the egg whites set faster without overcooking the yolk, add a tablespoon of water to the pan before covering it. The steam will cook the top of the eggs.
- 4For extra tang and flavor, sprinkle some chaat masala or squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish just before serving.
- 5Ensure your pav is fresh and soft. Toasting it with butter is a crucial step that adds incredible flavor and texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Half Fry
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated processed cheese (like Amul) or mozzarella over the eggs during the last minute of cooking. Cover until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Anda Ghotala StyleAnda Ghotala Style
After the eggs are cooked, gently break and scramble the egg whites into the masala with a spatula, leaving the yolks intact and runny for a different texture.
Spicy Green MasalaSpicy Green Masala
Create a green paste by blending coriander leaves, mint leaves, and a green chilli. Add this paste along with the tomatoes for a vibrant, herby, and spicier version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Protein Source
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Sustained Energy Boost
The combination of carbohydrates from the pav, protein from the eggs, and fats from the butter and yolk provides a balanced source of energy to keep you full and active.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
This dish contains vital nutrients like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and selenium from eggs, as well as antioxidants from the onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Half Fry Pav, which includes one egg on masala and two pav buns, contains approximately 400-450 calories. The exact count can vary based on the amount of butter used and the size of the pav.