Toasted Pav
Warm, buttery Indian bread rolls, toasted on a griddle until golden and crisp. Slathered with a zesty mix of pav bhaji masala and spices, and garnished with fresh cilantro, this is the quintessential companion for Pav Bhaji or a delightful snack on its own.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Pav
- Take the ladi pav and carefully slice each one horizontally through the middle, as if you're opening a book. Do not cut all the way through; leave one edge connected.
- Gently open the pav so they can lie flat for toasting. Set aside.
Create the Spiced Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, pav bhaji masala, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt (if using).
- Mix thoroughly with a spoon or fork until you have a smooth, homogenous, and fragrant spice paste.
Toast the Pav
- Heat a flat griddle (tawa) or a large frying pan over medium heat. It should be hot but not smoking.
- Generously spread about three-quarters of the spiced butter mixture onto the inner, cut surfaces of the pav.
- Place the pav, butter-side down, onto the hot tawa. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and crisp.
- Spread the remaining butter on the top (outer) side of the pav. Flip them over and toast for another minute until lightly browned and heated through.
Garnish and Serve
- Once toasted to your liking, remove the pav from the tawa and place them on a serving plate.
- Immediately sprinkle the finely chopped coriander leaves over the warm, buttery surfaces.
- Serve hot as a side with pav bhaji, misal pav, or enjoy as a standalone snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic street-style flavor, use Amul butter.
- 2Toast on a consistent medium heat. High heat will burn the butter and spices before the pav is properly toasted.
- 3Use fresh, soft ladi pav. Stale or dry pav will become hard and crumbly when toasted.
- 4If you've just made pav bhaji, toast the pav on the same tawa without cleaning it to soak up all the leftover delicious masala.
- 5Press the pav gently with a flat spatula while toasting to ensure the entire surface gets crispy and evenly browned.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Masala Pav
After toasting the inner side, sprinkle grated mozzarella or Amul cheese on one half before folding and toasting the outside.
Garlic Masala PavGarlic Masala Pav
Add 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic or garlic paste to the butter mixture for a pungent, garlicky flavor.
Tawa Masala PavTawa Masala Pav
On the tawa, melt some extra butter and sauté finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and a pinch of pav bhaji masala. Then, press the pav into this mixture while toasting.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Instant Energy
The carbohydrates from the pav are a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying snack to combat hunger and fatigue.
Contains Beneficial Spices
Spices like turmeric powder contain curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Other spices in the pav bhaji masala can aid in digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Toasted Pav is the classic accompaniment for Pav Bhaji. It also pairs wonderfully with Misal Pav, Tawa Pulao, or can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack with a cup of hot chai.