Kutchi Dabeli Masala Pav Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft pav buns stuffed with tangy and spicy Kutchi Dabeli masala, a flavorful street food from Gujarat. This indian-inspired street food ready in about 25 minutes pairs pav buns, medium, boiled and mashed potatoes, dabeli masala powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 3 medium boiled and mashed potatoes with 2 tbsp dabeli masala powder and 1 tsp salt until well combined and aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spiced potato mixture and sauté for 4-5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy around edges. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Slice 8 pav buns horizontally without cutting all the way through. Spread 1/4 cup tamarind chutney evenly inside each bun.
  4. Step 4: Stuff each pav with the warm spiced potato mixture, then sprinkle 1/4 cup coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves, and 1/4 cup sev inside.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp butter on a griddle over medium heat. Place stuffed pavs on the griddle and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crisp. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kutchi Dabeli Masala Pav Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kutchi Dabeli Masala Pav Sandwich?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pav buns from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kutchi Dabeli Masala Pav Sandwich?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kutchi Dabeli Masala Pav Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Kutchi Dabeli Masala Pav Sandwich?

Indian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.