Bread is a staple of Indian Cuisine. No matter whether its a flatbread, naan, roti, or some type of fried bread, it is an important part of our diet. But, did you know that Indian Cuisine is comprised of more than just curries and saucy dishes? As a matter of fact, we have many “sandwich” items that make Indian food more interesting. We have Bombay Frankie sandwiches, Masala Veggie Sandwiches, Indian Cheesteaks, etc. The list of items can go on and on.
Pav is basically a brioche style of roll that I make, which I seasoned with a spice powder called “Dabeli.” This is a spice mix that has sweet, spicy and salty seasonings it to give sandwiches an extra punch of Indian flavor. I actually added this seasoning into the dough so that when you are done baking the rolls and your own sandwich items into it, you will get a very subtle dose of Indian spices in bite. These types of rolls are usually eaten with “Indian Street Food” items like Vada Pav, Samosa Pav, Pav Bhaji, any meat type of kebab sandwich.
They are delicious as a sandwich or even just hot with some melted butter. No matter how you choose to eat these “Pav Rolls,” you will like the little dose of spice and heat in these rolls that make it slightly different than a traditional sandwich bread.
PAV ROLLS (Indian Sandwich Rolls)
Servings: 12 rolls (24 slider rolls)
Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups of all-purpose flour + 2-3 Tbsp. extra for forming dough portions.
- 2 Tbsp. dry yeast
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. Dabeli Indian Sandwich Spice Mix
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup of warm water + 4 Tbsp.
- Melted butter
- *Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, Poppy Seeds, Dabeli Sandwich Masala, Chaat Masala Powder
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5-7mins.
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- In a standalone mixer, add flour, egg, salt, oil, Dabeli Spice Powder, yeast mixture and sugar. Mix till a soft dough forms.
- Remove and place on floured surface. Knead by hand until the dough is soft and stretchy, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle some extra flour, as needed to bind a smooth dough, if too sticky.
- Divide the dough into 12 smooth, round portions. Use the extra 2-3 Tbsp. flour to help form the round portions without sticking to hands.
- Place on a greased baking sheet about 3-4in. apart.
- Cover with a tea towel and let it rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
- After time, bake in oven for 12 minutes or until golden brown on tops.
- Remove from oven and place each bun on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- While buns are cooling, brush with melted butter and desired topping.
- Serve as desired at room temperature.
NOTE: There is no need to proof the dough. Allowing them to rest in portioned amounts is enough to obtain a soft, evenly cooked bun.
1. Make Dough and Portions 
2. Cover and Let Rest for 10-15 minutes 
3. Bake and Add Desired Topping
These rolls are so simple to make, yet truly fabulous and flavorful! You can use these rolls to create your own amazing sandwich anytime!
Let me know your thoughts on this recipe. Comment below, tag me with your pav pic on IG @cmspiceculture or on FB at “Spice Culture Cooking.”
Enjoy!
