How to prepare Pav Bhaji Masala at Home: Delicious Spice Mix

March 21, 2025
Posted by Ma Masala

Pav Bhaji is India’s favorite street food, and the key to the recipe is Pav Bhaji Masala—a magic spice mix that provides upon the dish with a rich, deep, and aromatic flavor. Although instant masala can easily be bought from the market, nothing is compared to homemade masala’s freshness and purity.

We will guide you through preparing Pav Bhaji Masala at home In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to achieve the best taste each time.

Table of Contents

What is Pav Bhaji Masala?

Pav Bhaji Masala is a pungent, hot, and sour Indian spice blend that is utilized to flavor Pav Bhaji but can also be utilized to sprinkle other street food like Tawa Pulao, Masala Pav, and Egg Bhurji. The homemade masala gives the right quantity of heat, richness, and depth to your food, and the food is taste-bud-tinglingly flavored.

Why Prepare Pav Bhaji Masala at Home

✔ Freshness & Purity: Masalas purchased from shops contain added preservatives. Homemade masala is chemical-free, fresh, and full of natural flavor.

✔ Adjustable Spice Levels: Spice levels can be controlled according to your choice by adjusting the quantity of chili and pepper.

✔ Versatile Usage: This masala, apart from Pav Bhaji, can be used on other Indian recipes to add an extra dose of flavor.

✔ Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, this homemade spice mix can be used for six months.

Ingredients Required

To make Pav Bhaji Masala in the right way, the following whole spices will be required:

Coriander seeds – 3 tbsp (imparts earthy, citrusy taste)
Cumin seeds – 2 tbsp (provides heat and nutty flavor)
Red dried chilies – 6-7 (as needed for spices)
Black cardamoms – 2 (provides depth and pungent flavor)
Green cardamoms – 4 (gives a subtle sweetness)
Cinnamon stick – 2-inch piece (for warmth and aroma)
Cloves – 6-8 (powerful aromatic oil)
Fennel seeds – 1 tbsp (gentle licorice sweetness)

Black peppercorns – 1 tbsp (adds pungency and heat)
Bay leaf – 2 (subtle herbal undertones)
Star anise – 1 (contributes floral and sweet flavor)
Dried mango powder (amchur) – 1 tsp (provides tartness)
Dried ginger powder – ½ tsp (Offers medium heat and digestive value)
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp (provides color and health benefits)
Asafoetida (hing) – ¼ tsp (optional for adding umami taste)

Step-by-Step Process: Preparation of Pav Bhaji Masala

Step 1: Dry roast the whole spices

Warm a heavy pan or skillet on low heat.
Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black cardamoms and green cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and star anise.
Stir continuously over low heat for 3-4 minutes until aromatic and lightly browned spices.
Add the dry red chilies and roast for one minute. Take off the heat and allow the spices to cool down entirely.

Step 2: Grind to Fine Powder

Transfer the roasted spices to a blender or spice grinder when they cool down.
Add dry mango powder (amchur), dry ginger powder, turmeric powder, and asafoetida (hing).
Grind into a fine powder, being careful not to overheat the blender.
Strain the ground mixture if you want a super-smooth consistency (optional).

Step 3: Stock for Future Use

Transfer the masala to an air-tight glass container.
Store in cool, dry, and out of sunlight and dampness.
This homemade Pav Bhaji Masala will be fresh for 2 months in a pantry and for 6 months in the refrigerator.

How to Use Pav Bhaji Masala

Now that you have learned how to prepare Pav Bhaji Masala, let’s witness its multiple uses

Pav Bhaji: Mix 2-3 teaspoons of this masala while preparing bhaji for that authentic taste.
Tawa Pulao: Combine 1-2 teaspoons with cooked rice and vegetables and sauté to make a Mumbai Tawa Pulao.
Masala Pav: Butter pav (bread rolls) and sprinkle with this masala for a spicy snack.
Egg Bhurji: Mix a little of this masala into beaten eggs while frying for additional flavor.
Aloo Sabzi: Mix 1 teaspoon with potato curry and give it a flavor boost.

Pro Tips for Preparing the Best Homemade Pav Bhaji Masala

✔ Low Heat Roasting: Roast spices on low heat always to achieve maximum aroma without burning the spices.

✔ Grind in Batches: Grind spices in batches if making a large quantity to prevent overheating.

✔ Customize to Taste: Lessen black pepper for a less spicy taste or use more red chilies for a spicier taste.

✔ Avoid Moisture: Always use a dry spoon while scooping stored masala to prevent clumping.

Conclusion

It is simple to prepare Pav Bhaji Masala at home, it is satisfying, and it makes your food free from artificial additives. Pav Bhaji Masala not only adds flavor to Pav Bhaji but also enhances numerous other Indian dishes. The next time you’re craving an amazing Pav Bhaji, you’ll have the ideal homemade masala to give that added kick!

For the best results, use high-quality, natural spices like those from Ma Spices. Our premium, chemical-free spices ensure authentic taste and rich aroma in every dish.

Try this recipe out and let us know how it went! Do you have a secret spice tip for adding heat? Share below!