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Street food is one of the best parts of Maharashtrian cooking. From vada pav to misal, each bite is full of spice, texture, and comfort. Pav bhaji bombs and masala buns are two such tasty ideas that are inspired by the same street charm. Both are stuffed, baked snacks that are soft inside and golden outside. They make great evening treats, and you don’t need to deep-fry anything. With an OTG like Usha’s, baking these snacks becomes quick and simple. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just trying something fun on the weekend, these two recipes will bring street-style food into your home.
Video Credits: bharatzkitchen HINDI/ YouTube
Pav Bhaji Bombs
Pav bhaji bombs are soft bread rolls stuffed with the classic spicy bhaji mix. To prepare them, first cook the bhaji like you normally would, with mashed potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and pav bhaji masala. Let it cool, and then stuff a spoonful of bhaji into small dough balls made from all-purpose flour. Place them in a greased tray and let them rise for a bit. Preheat your OTG to 180°C and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden on top. Once done, brush with butter and sprinkle some chopped coriander. You can serve these tasty and filling bombs with green chutney.
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Masala Buns
Masala buns are a spiced twist to regular pav. The filling is usually made with sautéed onions, carrots, capsicum, and simple spices like jeera, haldi, and red chilli powder. You can also add grated paneer or crumbled tofu for an extra bite. Once the filling cools, place it inside small dough rounds and seal them well. Arrange the buns on a baking tray and bake at 180°C in your Usha’s OTG for 20–25 minutes. The buns rise beautifully and get a nice golden crust. Serve warm with ketchup or curd dip. They’re great for lunchboxes, travel, or chai-time snacks.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
OTG Tips For Perfect Street-Style Baking
To achieve the best results every time, always preheat your OTG before placing the tray. This helps the dough cook evenly and rise properly. Make sure to use the middle rack so the heat is balanced from both top and bottom. Keep an eye during the last few minutes; once the tops turn golden, they’re done. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the tray; leave a little space between each bun so they don’t stick. Brushing the buns with milk before baking gives a smooth top, while butter after baking adds shine and flavour. You can also sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top before baking for that bakery-style look of your food
Image Credits: Freepik
Serving Ideas To Try
These snacks taste great on their own, but a few sides can make them even better. For pav bhaji bombs, pair with spicy green chutney, chopped onions, and a lemon wedge. You can also serve with garlic chutney for extra flavours. Masala buns go well with simple curd dip, sweet tamarind chutney, or even mint-coriander sauce. For parties, serve them on a platter with toothpicks and chutneys on the side. They also work as lunchbox fillers; just wrap them warm in foil. These buns are filling, easy to carry, and taste even better when served warm.
Why OTG Works Best For These Recipes
An Usha’s OTG helps bake evenly, which is key for stuffed recipes like these. It’s easier to control the heat compared to a gas stove or tandoor. There’s no need for constant turning or flipping like in pan cooking. This appliance heats quickly and bakes with even browning. You also save oil, since there’s no deep-frying involved. Plus, you can bake in batches or keep the tray warm inside if guests are coming over. From rising the dough to crisping the top, every step becomes easier with this tool. That’s why it works best for making street-style snacks at home.
