Stuffed Pav: A Brief Overview
Stuffed Indian buns, also known as pavs, are a popular street food in India that have become a favorite around the world. These soft and fluffy buns are perfect for stuffing with a variety of delicious fillings, making them an all-round tasty snack or meal.
Pav and its Origins
The now ubiquitous Pav can be traced back to Portuguese influence in India during the colonial period. The Portuguese introduced a type of bread called pão, which was similar to the buns they used to make in Europe. The locals in Mumbai adopted the bread and began making their own version, which eventually became known as pav. Over time, pav became an integral part of the local cuisine, and vendors began stuffing the buns with a variety of fillings, including spiced mashed potatoes, vegetables, and meats.
Stuffed Pav Recipes
Here are seven delicious stuffed pav or Indian bun recipes to try yourself:
1. Spicy Potato Stuffed Pav
These spicy potato-stuffed pavs are a classic Indian street food that is sure to satisfy your cravings. The filling is made from boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with a variety of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The buns are then stuffed with the potato mixture and topped with a generous amount of chopped onions and fresh cilantro.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 220
2. Masala Pav with Garlic Butter
This masala pav recipe takes the traditional Indian bun and elevates it to a whole new level with the addition of garlic butter. The filling is made from a mixture of onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, including garam masala and red chili powder. The buns are then slathered with garlic butter and toasted until they are golden brown and crispy.
Taste: Spicy and buttery
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 280
3. Keema Pav
Keema pav is a delicious and satisfying street food that is made with a spiced ground meat filling. The filling is made from ground beef or lamb that is cooked with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The buns are then stuffed with the meat mixture and garnished with a lot of chopped onions and fresh cilantro on top.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 1 hour
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
4. Paneer Bhurji Pav
This paneer bhurji pav recipe is a vegetarian twist on the classic keema pav. The filling is made from crumbled paneer cheese that is cooked with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The paneer mixture is then stuffed inside the buns, and chopped onions and fresh cilantro are sprinkled on top of it.
Taste: Savory and tangy
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 290
5. Egg Bhurji Pav
This egg bhurji pav recipe is a delicious and protein-packed street food that is perfect for breakfast or as a mid-day snack. The filling is made from scrambled eggs that are cooked with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The egg mixture is stuffed into the buns, and then the onions and cilantro are drizzled on it, as required.
Taste: Savory
Total time: 20 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 200
6. Pav Bhaji
Pav bhaji is a popular street food in Mumbai that is made with a spiced vegetable mash and served with buttered pavs. The filling is made from a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, that are cooked with a blend of aromatic spices, including garam masala and red chili powder. The buns are then toasted with butter and served alongside the vegetable mash.
Taste: Savory and tangy
Total time: 1 hour
Prep time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 350
7. Vada Pav
Vada pav is a popular street food in Mumbai. It is made of a deep-fried potato fritter stuffed into a pav and served with a variety of chutneys. The filling is made from boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and then shaped into balls and deep-fried until golden brown. The buns are then stuffed with the potato fritter and served with a variety of chutneys, including tamarind and green chutney.
Taste: Spicy and tangy
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: 400
What to Serve with These Pav Recipes
Stuffed Indian buns are a great meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of side dishes to round out your meal. You can pair them with a fresh green salad or a cooling raita to balance out the spices. For something heartier, you can serve them with a side of chana masala or dal, which are classic Indian curries made with chickpeas or lentils, respectively. And if you're in the mood for something indulgent, you can serve your stuffed buns with a side of buttery pav bhaji, a popular Indian street food made with mashed vegetables and spices. The options are endless, so get creative and enjoy your stuffed buns with your favorite sides.
These stuffed Indian bun recipes are perfect for when you're craving something flavorful and satisfying. They can be enjoyed as a snack or a meal and are sure to please everyone's taste buds. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, savory, or buttery, there's a stuffed pav recipe here that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Give them a try and see for yourself why these buns are so beloved in India and around the world.