By: Toshita Sahni
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Pav is a type of soft bread roll that is especially popular in western regions of India. It is typically made using all-purpose flour (maida).
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Also called Ladi pav, this bread has become a staple part of local diets. It forms one-half of many beloved food combinations in these parts of the country.
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Curious to explore some traditional pav pairings? Here are 10 delicious and iconic options you need to try:
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As the name suggests, this bhaji (vegetable preparation) is specifically made to be eaten with pav. It has a tomato-potato base and is topped with a lot of butter.
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Batata vadas are deep-fried balls of a potato mixture. On the streets of Maharashtra, they are used like sandwich stuffing by placing them inside slit pav.
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Pav is famously used to soak up the rassa (curry-like delicacy) of misal, a spicy Maharashtrian preparation of beans, onions and farsan.
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Another fiery way to savour pav is by slathering it with thecha - a coarsely pounded mix of green chillies, garlic and peanuts.
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Like batata vadas, you can pair many types of fried snacks with pav. Fritters known as bhajiya or bhaji are another popular option.
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The layered crispiness of samosa offers a delightful contrast to the softness of pav. Don't forget to drizzle it with chutneys before you take a bite.
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Among the non-vegetarian pairings, keema pav is quite famous. Keema refers to various ways of cooking minced meat - could be a dry preparation or more of a curry.
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Another meaty option common on Mumbai's streets is kebab pav. Minced meat patties are layered inside a soft pav to make a treat reminiscent of a burger.
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Pav goes really well with egg dishes such as bhurji (a type of spiced scrambled eggs), omelette, akuri and more. This is a breakfast combo enjoyed by many.
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This pairing is especially well-known in Goa. Choris Pao or Chorizo pav features a type of pork sausage, which has distinctive levels of spiciness and fattiness.
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For tips to make street-style vada pav at home
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