Skip to content
  • Friday, June 13, 2025
thebeerhousecafe

thebeerhousecafe

World's finest Food

  • Food & Cooking
  • Mexican Food
  • Organic Food
  • Healthy Food
  • Street Food
  • Fast Food
  • About Us
    • Advertise Here
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Sitemap
  • Home
  • Pav Bhaji Masala (Easy Homemade Spice Mix)
Street Food

Pav Bhaji Masala (Easy Homemade Spice Mix)

June 11, 2022
Elizabeth W. Jernigan

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • More on Pav Bhaji Masala
  • Tips Before You Begin
  • Drying The spices
  • How to make Pav Bhaji Masala
    • Prep and Sun Dryin Spices
    • Make Pav Bhaji Masala
  • FAQs
  • Pav Bhaji Masala (Easy Homemade Spice Mix)
      • Preparation
      • Sun drying spices
      • Making pav bhaji masala
pav bhaji masala in a glass jar with text layovers.

The joy of adding your own homemade spice powders to any dish that you are making at home is unmatched. This is the reason I at least try and prepare mine at home. Just like this Pav Bhaji Masala, a spice mix that is essential for the famous Mumbai street food special recipe of Pav Bhaji. With this amazing Pav Bhaji Masala recipe, you’ll be able to make this spice mix easily at home.

pav bhaji masala in a glass jar.

More on Pav Bhaji Masala

Speak of Mumbai and you cannot let go without mentioning the most popular Pav Bhaji served on the streets here.

It is basically a buttery, spiced mashed vegetable mix cooked with a typical spice powder called the Pav Bhaji Masala, and served with butter toasted pavs or dinner rolls. Delicious from the word go!

This strong and fragrant homemade Pav Bhaji Masala recipe is going to make it all the more easier for you to prepare the pav bhaji, just like the ones available outside. It ain’t no secret to rustle up that perfect pav bhaji anymore.

This spice mix will definitely make it better. Moreover my recipe does not give you a spicy or pungent masala like the packaged ones.

I make this Pav Bhaji Masala by altering the proportions of the garam masala and adding a few more ingredients to it.

The end result is a masala which is not spicy or pungent and so amazing and powerful that it takes the flavors of the pav bhaji (or whatever it is added to) notches high. Phenomenal is the word!

The recipe card in this post has all the quantities (in grams, cups, tablespoons) of spices to be used for this Pav Bhaji Masala recipe.

Once prepared, besides using it obviously for pav bhaji, you can add a dash of this spice mix in your veggie stir fries or sautéed vegetables, masala rice, Tawa Pulao and Masala Pav.

Tips Before You Begin

This Pav Bhaji Masala recipe is fairly simple and not requires not much efforts. These following suggestions are going to help you further:

  1. Check Spices: When working with the spices, check whether there are any stones in them. They have to be perfectly clean with no hidden mold in them, for a good quality homemade Pav Bhaji Masala.
  2. Freshness of Spices: The spices also have to be fresh. Don’t even think of using stale old ones.
  3. Cinnamon type: Remember especially while using cinnamon; you have to use the true Ceylon cinnamon and not the cassia variant. Read up about these on the web before starting with the recipe.
  4. Dry red chillies: I have here used moderately hot red chillies that are not very spicy or hot. Feel free to reduce the red chillies or use the variety of red chillies that are less spicy like Kashmiri red chillies or Byadagi chillies. These will also give a nice orange or red color to the spice mix. You could also swap red chillies with kashmiri red chilli powder.
  5. Usage: Since this Pav Bhaji Masala is robust, it’s better to add just 2 to 3 teaspoons while making a bhaji for 4 to 5 servings.

Drying The spices

You will have to dry the spices used in this Pav Bhaji Masala recipe either in the sun or by roasting them in a pan or oven. Whichever way is feasible for you.

I usually sun dry spices when making other spice blends like Garam Masala or Sambar Powder as well. For this Pav Bhaji Masala, you can sundry the spices for 2 to 3 days. Next, use a dry grinder to grind the dried spices to a fine powder. Then, bottle and store.

For times when there’s a dearth of sunlight, roasting the spices is a good idea. Do it one by one in the pan till aromatic. Set aside to cool and then grind to a fine texture.

Or in the oven: Set the temperature of your oven to the lowest (range is anywhere between 50 degrees C/122 degrees F to 80 degrees C/194 F). Depending on this range, drying will require about 6 hours to 15 hours.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to make Pav Bhaji Masala

Prep and Sun Dryin Spices

1. First, take all the whole spices, and not the powdered ones on a plate or tray. Keep in the sun for 2 to 3 days. The spice list is:

  • ¼ cup cumin seeds – 26 grams
  • 2 tablespoons fennel seeds (saunf) – 15 grams
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds – 11 grams
  • 1 tablespoon mace – 3 grams
  • 1 tablespoon cloves – 6 grams
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper – 10 grams
  • 2 black cardamoms – 5 to 6 grams
  • 3 star anise – 2 grams
  • 1 small nutmeg – 5 grams
  • 5 cinnamon sticks – 4 grams
  • 5 to 6 dried red chilies, seeds removed – (4 grams)
spices for pav bhaji masala being sun dried.

2. Cover with a fine wired mesh lid or a muslin or loosely woven cotton napkin, so that dust does not fall on the spices when they are being sun-dried.

During the day, I would keep the spices out to sun dry. At night, I would keep the plate inside with a loose lid covering it.

pav bhaji masala spices being sun dried.

3. The below picture shows the spices after being sun-dried for 2 days. After getting sun dried, whatever moisture the spices may have is not there and they also become slightly crisp.

sun dried spices for pav bhaji masala.

Make Pav Bhaji Masala

4. Before you begin grinding the sun dried whole spices, take the small nutmeg in a mortar-pestle and crush it coarsely. Keep aside.

crushing nutmeg in a mortar pestle.

5. Now, add all the whole spices in the dry grinder jar. You can also use a coffee grinder. Add according to the capacity of the jar.

sun dried whole spices in a dry grinder jar.

6. Then, add the coarsely crushed nutmeg powder.

crushed nutmeg added to the grinder jar.

7. Grind to a smooth and fine powder. Tiny grits of the spices are fine in the masala.

spices ground to a fine powder.

8. Then, add 1 tablespoon dried ginger powder (saunth).

dried ginger powder added to the masala powder.

9. Next, add 2 tablespoons dried mango powder (amchur powder).

dried mango powder added to the grinder jar.

10. Next, add 2 teaspoons black salt. If you do not have black salt, then you can add edible rock salt or regular salt. You can even skip adding salt.

black salt added to the grinder jar.

11. Lastly, add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Turmeric powder is optional and you can skip it too.

turmeric powder added to the grinder jar.

12. Again grind just to mix everything well.

grinding the pav bhaji masala mixture.

13. If you want, you can sieve the powder and grind the tiny bits left on the sieve. Let the powder cool down.

You can spread it on a plate or allow it to cool in the jar itself. Then, spoon the masala powder in a clean glass jar.

prepared pav bhaji masala spooned in a clean glass jar.

14. Cover tightly and keep in a cool dry place. You can also keep the Pav Bhaji Masala Powder in the refrigerator or freezer. This recipe yields about 100 grams.

pav bhaji masala in a glass jar.

FAQs

Can I add a few curry leaves in this recipe?

I don’t think so you should add curry leaves. By doing so, the flavor of the Pav Bhaji Masala will change completely.

How much of this homemade masala should I add in a bhaji for 4 to 5 people?

Since the homemade Pav Bhaji Masala is quite intense, adding 2 to 3 teaspoons is sufficient in a bhaji for 4 to 5 servings.

What is the way to store this masala?

After grinding and cooling, put the masala in a clean, dry glass jar, cover tightly and store in a cool and dry place. Freezing or refrigeration also works fine for this masala.

Can I skip the turmeric or any other spice in this Pav Bhaji Masala?

You can omit adding turmeric powder. For the remaining spices, consider skipping only ginger powder.

What can I use in place of black salt?

You can use regular salt or edible and food grade rock salt.

More Indian Spice Mixes To Try!

Please be sure to rate this recipe in the recipe card below if you have made it. For more vegetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.

pav bhaji masala in a glass jar.

Pav Bhaji Masala (Easy Homemade Spice Mix)

By Dassana Amit

Pav Bhaji Masala is an essential spice mix that is needed to make the famous Mumbai street food Pav Bhaji. This recipe makes for an intense, fragrant and flavorful Pav Bhaji Masala.

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Prevent your screen from going dark while making the recipe

Preparation

  • First take all the whole spices in a plate or tray. Exclude dry mango powder, dry ginger powder, turmeric powder and black salt.

  • Check and pick the spices for stones if any. Also check if there are molds on them.

Sun drying spices

  • Keep the plate or tray with the whole spices in the sun for 2 to 3 days.

  • Cover with a fine wired mesh lid or a muslin or loosely woven cotton napkin, so that dust does not fall on the spices, when they are being sun dried. 

  • During night, keep the plate or tray with the spices covered loosely with a lid in a dry place in your kitchen.

Making pav bhaji masala

  • Before you begin, grinding the whole spices, take the nutmeg in a mortar-pestle and crush it coarsely. Keep aside.

  • Now add all the whole spices in the dry grinder jar. You can also use a coffee grinder. Add according to the capacity of the jar.

  • Then add the coarsely crushed nutmeg powder.

  • Grind to a fine and smooth powder.

  • Then add ginger powder, dry mango powder, black salt and turmeric powder.

  • If you do not have black salt, then you can add edible rock salt or regular salt. You can even skip adding salt. Turmeric powder is also optional and you can skip it too.

  • Again grind just to mix everything evenly.

  • If you want, you can sieve the powder and grind the tiny bits left on the sieve.

  • Let the pav hhaji masala cool at room temperature. You can spread it in a plate or allow it to cool in the jar itself. Then spoon the pav bhaji masala in a clean glass jar.

  • Cover tightly and keep in a cool dry place. You can also keep the pav bhaji masala powder in the fridge or freezer.

  • Use spices that are in their shelf-life. Check for hidden moulds in the spices before you begin.
  • You can also choose to roast each spice in a small frying pan or skillet until fragrant instead of sun-drying them. Transfer each roasted spice to a plate or tray. Cool them at room temperature and then grind in a spice grinder or mixer-grinder to a fine texture.
  • For a pav bhaji recipe that calls for 4 to 5 servings, you can add about 2 to 3 teaspoons of this pav bhaji masala in it.
  • The approximate nutrition info is for 1 tablespoon of pav bhaji masala made from this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Pav Bhaji Masala (Easy Homemade Spice Mix)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 29 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Sodium 343mg15%

Potassium 94mg3%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 84IU2%

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1mg5%

Vitamin B6 1mg50%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Vitamin E 1mg7%

Vitamin K 2µg2%

Calcium 54mg5%

Vitamin B9 (Folate) 1µg0%

Iron 2mg11%

Magnesium 18mg5%

Phosphorus 22mg2%

Zinc 1mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Like what you see?

Stay up to date with new recipes and ideas.

This Pav Bhaji Masala recipe from the archives first published in June 2016 has been republished and updated on 10 June 2022.

Tags: Food Near Me Now, Food Near Us, Food Network Recipes, Food Open, Food Open Late, Food Open Late Near Me, Food Open Near Me Now, Food Open Now, Food Open Right Now, Food Options, Food Pantry Near Me, Food Places, Food Places Near Me, Food Places Open Near Me, Food Preservative, Food Processor, Food Pyramid, Food Quality, Food Questions, Food Quincy, Food Quiz, Food Quotes, M Food Items, M Food Logo, M Food Mart Reno, N Food Court, N Food Items, N Food Mart, N Food Name, N Food Stamps, N Food Words, N Foods, N Foods For Thanksgiving, O Food Dumpling, O Food Gochujang, O Food List, O Food Truck, O Food Tteokbokki, O Foods, O Foods Ltd, O Foods Names, P Food Stamps, P Food Stamps 2022, P Foods, P Foods For Babies, P Foods For Constipation, P Foods For Constipation Baby, P Foods Names, P Foods To Help Constipation

Post navigation

Analysts weigh in on USDA’s $300 million organic spend
A Major Fast Food Chain Just Signed a Deal With Meta’s Workplace
June 2025
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
« May    
  • May 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • November 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • July 2020
  • March 2020
  • Fast Food
  • Food & Cooking
  • Healthy Food
  • Mexican Food
  • Organic Food
  • Street Food
  • Delightful Mocktails: Celebrating Sobriety with Flavor
  • How to Plan a Corporate Catering Menu on a Budget
  • Scoring Big on Flavor: Exploring the Best Pizza Specials and Game Day Deals
  • How Regenerative Farming Differs From Organic Farming: Key Comparisons
  • Ruby Jewelry for the Bohemian Woman: Free-Spirited and Boho

bl

BR

kaleagent
GlobalTradeHub

BP

backlinkplacement.com

You may Missed

Fast Food

Delightful Mocktails: Celebrating Sobriety with Flavor

May 27, 2025
Elizabeth W. Jernigan
Fast Food

How to Plan a Corporate Catering Menu on a Budget

March 27, 2025
Elizabeth W. Jernigan
Fast Food

Scoring Big on Flavor: Exploring the Best Pizza Specials and Game Day Deals

February 26, 2025
Elizabeth W. Jernigan
Fast Food

How Regenerative Farming Differs From Organic Farming: Key Comparisons

January 28, 2025
Elizabeth W. Jernigan
Copyright © 2025 thebeerhousecafe
Theme by: Theme Horse
Proudly Powered by: WordPress

WhatsApp us