Bakery‑Style Soft Pav (Indian Bread Rolls)

Bakery‑Style Soft Pav (Indian Bread Rolls) is a medium Indian recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving.

Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 45 min

Cost: $16.58 total, $2.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 5 g Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 25 g Granulated Sugar
  • 3 g Bread Improver Powder (helps achieve bakery‑like volume)
  • 15 g Active Dry Yeast (fine granules, proofed in warm water)
  • 250 ml Warm Water (around 38‑40 °C, not boiling)
  • 25 g Vegetable Oil (neutral oil, added gradually)
  • 2 pcs Eggs (room temperature; optional for richer dough)
  • 20 g Unsalted Butter (melted, for brushing baked pav)
  • 30 ml Milk (mixed with egg white for egg wash; optional)
  • 1 pcs Egg White (for egg wash; optional)

Instructions

  1. Measure Dry Ingredients

    Weigh 500 g all‑purpose flour, 5 g salt, 25 g sugar, 3 g bread improver, and 15 g active dry yeast into a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prepare Warm Water

    Heat 250 ml water to about 38‑40 °C (warm to the touch, not hot) and pour it over the yeast. Stir gently and let sit 2‑3 minutes until frothy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 38‑40°C

  3. Combine Wet and Dry, Add Oil & Eggs

    Using the mixer on low speed, add the yeast‑water mixture to the dry ingredients. Drizzle in 25 g oil while the mixer runs. Add the two room‑temperature eggs and continue mixing on medium speed for about 8‑10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

    Time: PT10M

  4. First Proof (Bulk Fermentation)

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in volume.

    Time: PT30M

  5. Fold and Second Proof

    Turn the dough onto a lightly oiled surface, perform a gentle fold (pull‑and‑fold) a few times to develop gluten, then return it to the greased bowl. Cover again and let rest for another 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Shape Pav Balls

    Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 75 g each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball by rolling it on the countertop with cupped hands.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Second Proof After Shaping

    Place the balls on a greased baking tray, leaving a small gap. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them proof for 15 minutes, until they look puffy.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Egg Wash (Optional)

    Whisk 1 egg white with 30 ml milk. Brush the tops of the risen balls lightly with the wash for a glossy crust.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Preheat Oven

    Preheat a conventional oven to 250 °C (482 °F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 250°C

  10. Initial High‑Heat Bake

    Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 250 °C. This gives the pav an initial “spring” and a golden top.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 250°C

  11. Reduce Heat and Finish Baking

    Lower the oven temperature to 180 °C (356 °F) and continue baking for another 20 minutes, until the pav are uniformly golden and sound hollow when tapped.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 180°C

  12. Butter Brush & Cool

    Remove the pav from the oven, brush the tops with 20 g melted unsalted butter. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Store or Serve

    If not serving immediately, cover the cooled pav with a clean cloth, place them in a large zip‑lock bag, and store at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerate for up to 2 days. For next‑day use, keep them sealed in a plastic bag and re‑heat briefly in a 180 °C oven for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (if eggs omitted), Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Dairy (butter, milk)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Bakery‑Style Soft Pav (Indian Bread Rolls)

A step‑by‑step guide to making ultra‑soft, airy pav at home that mimics the texture and volume of bakery‑fresh rolls. The recipe uses a bread improver, dry yeast, and a brief double‑proofing method to achieve a light, spongy crumb and a golden crust. Perfect for serving with Indian curries, sandwiches, or as a breakfast roll.

MediumIndianServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 40m
Prep
10m
Cook
20m
Cleanup
3h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.58
Total cost
$2.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activating yeast in correctly warm water (38‑40 °C).
  • Kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • First and second proofing periods – dough must double in size.
  • High‑heat initial bake at 250 °C for a good oven spring.
  • Gentle butter brushing after baking to keep crust soft.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven trays with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not let water exceed 45 °C when activating yeast, as it can kill the yeast.
  • When using a stand mixer, keep hands away from moving dough hook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of bakery‑style soft pav in Indian cuisine?

A

Pav originated from Portuguese “pão” introduced to India during colonial times. Over the years it became a staple in street food and fast‑food dishes like pav bhaji and vada pav, symbolising the blend of Indian flavors with European baking techniques.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pav in Indian cuisine?

A

In Maharashtra, pav is often slightly sweet and served with butter. In Goa, it may be flavored with coconut or garlic. Some regions add a touch of milk or yogurt to the dough for extra softness, while street‑vendor versions may be brushed with ghee after baking.

cultural
Q

How is pav traditionally served in Maharashtra cuisine?

A

In Maharashtra, pav is typically served warm, brushed with butter, alongside spicy dishes such as pav bhaji, misal, or vada pav. It is also enjoyed with tea for breakfast, often toasted lightly on a griddle.

cultural
Q

During which Indian celebrations is pav commonly prepared?

A

Pav is a popular snack for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, where it is served with spicy chutneys or as part of street‑food stalls. Its quick‑bake nature makes it ideal for large gatherings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Indian pav versus modern substitutes?

A

Traditional pav uses all‑purpose flour, yeast, a small amount of sugar, salt, and a touch of oil or melted butter. Modern bakers sometimes add bread improver, milk, or egg to increase volume and softness, which are acceptable variations.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with homemade bakery‑style soft pav?

A

Homemade pav pairs perfectly with pav bhaji, misal pav, vada pav, chole, or simply with a dollop of butter and a cup of masala chai. It also works well as a base for sliders or mini sandwiches.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bakery‑style soft pav at home?

A

Common errors include using water that is too hot (killing yeast), under‑kneading the dough, skipping the double proof, and baking at too low a temperature which prevents the characteristic oven‑spring. Follow the temperature and timing guidelines closely.

technical
Q

Why does this pav recipe use an initial 250 °C bake before lowering to 180 °C?

A

The high‑heat start creates rapid steam inside the dough, giving the pav a big oven‑spring and a light crumb. Reducing the temperature afterward ensures the interior cooks through without over‑browning the crust.

technical
Q

Can I make bakery‑style soft pav ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After baking, let the pav cool, then seal them in an airtight plastic bag or wrap each in foil. Store at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate for up to two days. Re‑heat briefly in a 180 °C oven before serving to restore softness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on Indian home‑cooking tutorials, especially bakery‑style breads and quick‑cook recipes that replicate store‑bought quality using everyday kitchen tools.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Indian bakery cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown emphasizes precise measurements, the use of bread improvers, and a double‑proofing technique to achieve professional‑grade texture, whereas many other Indian cooking channels rely on simpler, less‑structured methods.

channel

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