Delicious Homemade Pav Recipe: Soft and Fluffy Indian Bread Rolls

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
  • 1 cup of warm milk
  • 1/2 cup of warm water
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add the warm milk and melted butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and form a dough.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and divide it into equal-sized portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them onto a greased baking tray, leaving space between each ball.
  7. Cover the tray with a clean cloth and let the dough balls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they double in size.
  8. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the Pav for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden brown.
  9. Remove the Pav from the oven and brush them with additional melted butter. Serve warm.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and combine the flour, sugar, salt, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients, such as sugar, yeast, and water.
  • Whisk or Fork - To dissolve the yeast in warm water and combine the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Baking Tray - A flat tray or sheet pan to place the dough balls for baking.
  • Clean Cloth or Kitchen Towel - To cover the dough while it rises and to prevent it from drying out.
  • Flour for dusting - To sprinkle on the surface while kneading the dough and shaping the Pav.
  • Basting Brush - To brush melted butter onto the baked Pav for added flavor and shine.

Recipe variations

  • Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
  • Adding herbs such as garlic, oregano, or rosemary to the dough for additional flavor
  • Using a mixture of different flours like rye or spelt for a unique texture and taste
  • Replacing the butter with olive oil for a healthier alternative
  • Adding grated cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, to the dough for a cheesy twist
  • Making a stuffed pav by adding fillings such as spiced potato, paneer, or vegetables
  • Using a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten intolerance
  • Experimenting with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs
  • Making mini pav instead of regular-sized ones for bite-sized treats
  • Creating a sweet version by adding sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins to the dough

Recipe overview

Pav is a type of Indian bread roll that's incredibly soft, fluffy, and slightly buttery. It's traditionally made by creating small, individual portions of dough that are baked close together to form a cluster of bread rolls. The result is a batch of deliciously warm and tender rolls with a golden crust that's perfect for soaking up the flavors of any dish they're served with. This Pav recipe is straightforward and uses common baking ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, and butter. Expect the process to take a few hours, as the dough needs time to rise twice. However, the end result is definitely worth the wait. Enjoy your homemade Pav with a hot cup of tea, or as a side with your favorite Indian curry.

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the amount and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific conversion ratio.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the Pav may be slightly different compared to using all-purpose flour.
  3. How do I know when the dough has risen enough? The dough should approximately double in size during the rising process. It usually takes around 1-2 hours for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second rise. You can also do the "poke test" by gently pressing your finger into the dough. If the indentation remains, it is ready for the next step.
  4. Can I freeze the Pav? Yes, you can freeze the Pav. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to a month. To thaw, remove the Pav from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  5. What can I serve with Pav? Pav is often served with a variety of dishes such as butter chicken, pav bhaji, vada pav, or as a side with soups and stews. It can also be enjoyed with spreads like butter or jam.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

The humble Pav has its roots in the bustling city of Mumbai, India. Its origin story is tied intricately with the Portuguese rule in the 16th century. The Portuguese, who were great bakers themselves, introduced leavened bread to the locals. However, the Indian palate was not accustomed to the sourdough bread that the Portuguese relished. Thus, was born 'Pav', a soft and fluffy bread, made with locally available ingredients and catering to the Indian palate. Today, 'Pav' forms an integral part of numerous street foods like 'Pav Bhaji', 'Vada Pav', and 'Misal Pav', to name a few. This simple bread holds the testament to the beautiful amalgamation of different cultures and their influence on food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.