Butter Pav
Soft pav buns toasted on a hot pan with butter, a little spice, and fresh coriander make a simple Mumbai-style side that turns any meal more comforting. Crisp at the edges and fluffy inside, they are best served hot.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Slice the pav.
Cut each pav horizontally, keeping one side attached so the buns open like a book.
- mix · ~1 min
Mix the butter topping.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, salt, and coriander leaves.
- fry · ~4 min
Toast the pav on the pan.
1.Heat a tawa or skillet over low to medium heat.2.Spread the butter mixture lightly on the cut sides of each pav.3.Place the pav cut side down and toast until lightly golden and crisp, about 1 to 2 minutes.4.Flip and toast the outer side for 30 to 45 seconds so the buns are warm through.TIPKeep the heat moderate so the butter browns gently and the pav stays soft inside. - serve
Serve the butter pav hot.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use softened, not melted, butter so the masala and coriander spread evenly over the cut sides.
- 2Toast on low to medium heat; high heat burns the butter before the pav warms through.
- 3Press the pav very lightly on the tawa so the cut surface makes full contact and browns evenly.
- 4Spread only a thin layer of masala butter inside, or the buns can turn greasy instead of crisp.
- 5Add the chopped coriander just before spreading so it stays bright and fragrant on the hot pav.
- 6Serve immediately after toasting; butter pav loses its crisp edges quickly as it sits.
- 7If making multiple batches, wipe the pan between rounds so stray coriander and spices do not scorch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Extra-spicy
Increase the red chili powder slightly and add a little extra pav bhaji masala for a bolder street-style kick.
garlic butterGarlic-butter
Mix in a little finely grated or crushed garlic with the butter for a more robust, fragrant toast.
veganVegan
Use a good plant-based butter to keep the same crisp, buttery finish without dairy.
cheeseCheese
Sprinkle a little grated cheese inside before closing and toasting for a richer snack-style version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Herb-Boosted Flavor
Fresh coriander adds aroma and freshness, helping the pav taste lively without needing heavy extra toppings.
Moderate Spice Warmth
The small amount of red chili powder and pav bhaji masala brings flavor depth and gentle heat in a simple side.
Comforting Energy Source
Pav provides quick carbohydrates, making this a handy accompaniment to hearty dishes like bhaji or kheema.
Frequently asked questions
Toast over low to medium heat and only until the cut side is lightly golden. Too much heat or time will make the buns dry and hard.
