Click here to view Masala Pav recipe. Masala pav is a spicy blend of tomato onion gravy cooked and stuffed inside butter laden pavs. Every pav bhaji vendor serves his own version of Masala Pav so that each one tastes different but equally delicious.

Very often the pav bhaji gravy is tossed with pieces of pav and served with a slice of lemon. It is a spicy way to serve bread.

Masala pav is a famous roadside food served at Mumbai chowpatty along with other tongue-tickling delights like Pav Bhaji , Tawa Pulao and Pav Sandwich.

It is very quick and easy to make. If you are in a hurry then you can refer to our microwave version of this dish Masala Pav Microwave Recipe. The masala can be made prior to a dinner chaat party and just before serving you can cook them.

Also, you can refer to our wide collection of Dinner Chaat recipes to make an amazing party menu!

Is Masala Pav healthy?

The Masala Pav have an issue like plain flour and loads of butter, hence not good for health

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

Coriander (kothmir, dhania) : The antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C and the quercetin present in coriander works towards strengthening our immune system. Coriander is a fairly good source of iron and folate – the 2 nutrient which help in the production and maintenance of red blood cells in our blood. Good for reducing cholesterol and good for diabetics. Read 9 benefits of coriander to understand details. 

Onions (pyaz, kanda) :  Raw onions are a very valuable source of vitamin C – the immune building vitamin. Along with other phytonutrients from onions, it helps to build WBC (white blood cells) which serves as a line of defence against illness. Yes, it’s a source of many antioxidants, the most important one amongst them being Quercetin. The quercetin in Onions promotes production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol in the body. The sulphur in onions act as a blood thinner and prevents blood clotting too. This in turn would lower blood pressure and good for heart,  diabetics. Read the benefits of onions. 

Lemon, Lemon Juice : Lemon is a very good source of Vitamin C and thus helps in the production of  white blood cells and antibodies in the blood which attacks invading microorganisms, prevents infection and builds immunity. Therefore, Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold. The ascorbic acid in lemon juice helps in absorption of iron from the food. So if you’re iron deficient or have anaemia squeeze a lemon on iron rich recipes. See detailed benefits of lemon, lemon juice.

Capsicum (Bell Peppers): Rich in vitamin C, capsicum protect and maintain the lining of the heart. Low glycemic index (40) colourful capsicum are immune boosters. Colourful capsicums are not only visually appealing but also good for your eyes too, as they contain antioxidant Lutein, which protects the eye from cataracts and degeneration of the eye. Capsicum is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells in the bone marrow. See detailed benefits of capsicum.

Tomatoes : Tomatoes are extremely rich source of Lycopene. Tomatoes are a powerful antioxidant, super rich in Vitamin C, good for heart. Tomatoes are a Pregnant women's friend and are rich in Folate or Folic Acid which helps your body to produce and maintain new cells, especially red blood cells. Read about 13 amazing benefits of tomatoes.  

Cumin Seeds ( jeera) : The most common benefit of jeera known to many is to soothe the stomach, intestine and the entire digestive tract. Cumin seeds are apparently a very good source of iron. A tbsp. of cumin seeds can fulfil nearly 20% of days iron requirement. Even small quantity of cumin seeds has huge amounts of calcium – a bone supporting mineral. They aid is digestion, weight loss and help reduce inflammation. See detailed benefits of cumin seeds, jeera. 

Red chilli : Red chilli can set the taste buds on fire, and sometimes the tummy too! It is basically a spice blend consisting of one or two types of dried red chillies that are ground and pulverized into a fine powder. It is generally used to add spice to otherwise bland foods.

Garlic : Garlic has been proven to lower cholesterol. The active ingredient allicin present in garlic aids in lowering blood pressure. Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood glucose levels for diabetics. Garlic is great for the heart and circulatory system. Garlic has an antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal function and can help in relieving common cold and other viral infections. To boost your immune system have a garlic clove a day. Garlic is a top anti viral food. The thiosulphate compound, Allicin found in garlic acts as a strong antioxidant and protects our body from damage of free radicals.  Read here for complete benefits of garlic.

Butter : Butter contains 80% fats and it comprises of many types of fatty acids. Butter has short chain fatty acids and medium chain fatty acids which are broken down and absorbed into the body directly and go straight to the liver and get converted to fuel to be used by the muscles. Due to this anti-inflammatory effect, it is said to have a positive effect in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Recent research shows that small amounts of butter has positive effects on heart health. So diabetics too can have small quantity of butter and balance it with other types of fats they consume. A tbsp. of butter fulfils 8% of your days requirement of vitamin A. This Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant which is essential for glowing skin health and immune function. We suggest you read about butter the super food. 

What's the problem?

Plain flour (maida) : This recipe uses plain flour or maida for ladi pav, which is refined carb not suitable for healthy lifestyle. Maida consumption in any food should be totally avoided or use in very small quantities as any consumption of this will cause a larger spike in blood sugar levels which is not good for diabetics, heart patients. The development of prediabetes comes from uncontrolled eating sugar and refined food products for many years and the classic symptom is if you have excess belly fat. This leads to diabetes and further onwards to heart attack, high blood pressure, strokes, impotence and kidney damage.  Read is maida good for you to understand fully.

Note : 1 cup = 200 ml (standard cup available in the market). The weight in grams varies for each ingredient. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Masala Pav ?

No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss But diabetics need it to control sugar levels while others may need to control their cholesterol levels or weight. Maida consumption in any food should be totally avoided or use in very small quantities as any consumption of this will cause a larger spike in blood sugar levels which is not good for diabetics, heart patients.

Are there any healthy chaat recipes you suggest? 

Yes, we suggest the following healthy chaat options like Oats Chaat, Moong Dal ki Chaat, Gajar aur Moong Dal ki Chaat and Panner aur Hare Chane ki Chaat. All these chaat recipes have no fried foods and made from dals, oats and chana which are healthy.

Gajar Aur Moong Dal ki Chaat

Can healthy individuals have ?

No, Maida consumption in any food should be totally avoided or use in very small quantities as any consumption of this will cause a larger spike in blood sugar levels

Masala Pav is high in

 Vitamin C :  Vitamin C is a great defence against coughs and colds.

How to burn 137 calories that come from one serving of  Masala Pav?

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.