Egg Keema Pav
A delicious and spicy Mumbai street food classic! Finely chopped boiled eggs are simmered in a rich onion-tomato masala, seasoned with pav bhaji masala, and served with soft, buttery pav. A perfect quick meal or hearty snack.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Eggs
- b.Place 6 large eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by at least one inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs stand for 10-12 minutes to cook through.
- d.Drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel.
- e.Peel the eggs and finely chop them or grate them using a box grater for a finer texture. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat 3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- d.Add 2 finely chopped medium onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes until they are soft and light golden brown.
- e.Stir in 1 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste and 2 finely chopped green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Masala Base
- b.Add 2 finely chopped medium tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down completely and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- c.Add the spice powders: 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1.5 tsp pav bhaji masala. Add 1 tsp of salt.
- d.Stir well and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes until they are aromatic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish the Keema
- b.Add the prepared chopped or grated eggs to the masala in the pan.
- c.Pour in 1/4 cup of water to create a slight gravy and prevent it from being too dry. Mix gently to coat the eggs with the masala without mashing them.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the eggs to absorb all the flavors.
- e.Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toast Pav and Serve
- b.Heat a tawa or flat pan over medium heat. You can use the same pan after transferring the keema to a serving bowl for extra flavor.
- c.Slit the 8 pav buns horizontally, keeping one edge intact.
- d.Spread 2 tbsp of butter generously on the inner sides of the pav.
- e.Toast the pav on the tawa for 1-2 minutes per side, pressing gently, until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.
- f.Serve the hot egg keema immediately with the warm buttery pav, lemon wedges, and sliced onions on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, grate the hard-boiled eggs instead of chopping them. This allows them to mix more uniformly with the masala.
- 2Don't rush cooking the onions and tomatoes. A well-cooked base is crucial for a deep, rich flavor.
- 3Pav Bhaji Masala is the star ingredient. Use a good quality brand for that authentic Mumbai street-food taste.
- 4For extra flavor, add a pinch of the pav bhaji masala and a little chopped coriander to the butter while toasting the pav.
- 5If the keema looks too dry while simmering, add another splash of hot water to reach your desired consistency.
- 6A small pinch of sugar (about 1/4 tsp) can be added with the tomatoes to balance the acidity and enhance the overall flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the eggs with 200g of crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to make Paneer Keema Pav. Add the paneer at the final step and cook for just 2-3 minutes.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of garam masala along with the pav bhaji masala for extra heat and aroma.
CreamierCreamier
For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste at the very end of cooking.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper) along with the onions, or add 1/4 cup of boiled green peas along with the eggs for added texture and nutrition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The combination of protein from eggs and carbohydrates from the pav provides a balanced release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cooked tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Spices like turmeric also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Good for Bone Health
Eggs are a natural source of Vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium absorption and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Egg Keema Pav (approximately 2 pavs and a portion of keema) contains an estimated 500-550 calories, depending on the amount of oil and butter used.