Cheesy Masala Pav Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Indian street food, Masala Pav. These sliders are loaded with a spicy masala filling and topped with gooey cheese, making them perfect for a snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Masala Filling
- 4piecepav buns (or slider buns)
- 1piecelarge onion, finely chopped
- 1piecelarge tomato, finely chopped
- 1piecesmall capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- 3piecegreen chilies, finely chopped
- 1tbspginger-garlic paste
- 1/2tspcumin seeds
- 1/2tspmustard seeds
- 1/2tspturmeric powder
- 1tspred chili powder
- 1tsppav bhaji masala
- 1/2tspgaram masala
- Salt to taste
- 2tbspbutter
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2cupgrated cheese (mozzarella or processed cheese)
For Assembly
- Butter for toasting the buns
- 1/2cupgrated cheese (for topping)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How to make Cheesy Masala Pav Sliders
Prepare the Masala Filling
Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
Add the chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
Stir in the chopped capsicum and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, pav bhaji masala, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Once the masala is cooked and well combined, turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped coriander leaves and grated cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the masala.
Toast the Pav Buns
Slice the pav buns or slider buns in half.
Heat some butter in a pan and toast the buns on both sides until golden and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of each bun on a plate or tray.
Spread a generous amount of the masala filling on each bun.
Top with some grated cheese.
Place the top half of the bun over the cheese.
Melt the Cheese
Preheat a non-stick pan or tawa over low heat. Place the assembled sliders on the pan, cover it with a lid, and cook on low heat until the cheese melts.
Alternatively, you can place the sliders in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Serve
Garnish the sliders with more chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with ketchup or green chutney on the side.
Tips & Tricks
You can add boiled and mashed potatoes to the masala for a heartier filling.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of green chilies or add some chili flakes to the masala.