In the heart of bustling Mumbai, where the aroma of street food dances through the air and the cacophony of city life creates a symphony of sounds, there lies a humble yet iconic treat known as "bun maska Pav." This delectable creation is more than just a snack; it's a slice of Mumbai's vibrant culture and a testament to the city's love affair with food.
The story of bun maska is intertwined with the bustling Irani cafes that have been an integral part of Mumbai's culinary landscape for generations. These quaint cafes, with their old-world charm and nostalgic ambiance, have been serving up comfort food that transcends time. One of their signature offerings is the humble bun maska.
Picture this: a soft, fluffy bun, lightly toasted to perfection, slathered generously with a dollop of creamy butter. The moment you take your first bite, you're greeted with a medley of textures and flavors. The warm, melt-in-your-mouth bun contrasts with the rich, velvety butter, creating a harmonious symphony that's both comforting and indulgent.
But the story of bun maska isn't just about its ingredients; it's about the experiences and memories it evokes. For many Mumbaikars, a visit to an Irani cafe is a nostalgic journey back in time. It's where friends gather for endless conversations, families bond over cups of Irani chai, and weary travelers find solace in the simple pleasures of a bun maska.
Bun maska occupies a cherished corner of my heart, as it has been an inseparable part of all my journeys to Mumbai. Without fail, I indulge in this delightful treat alongside a comforting cup of chai, creating a perfect pairing that resonates with the essence of the city. Each time I visit Mumbai, I make it a point to relish the experience of savoring a bun maska, often sourced from the charming bakeries nestled within the Parsi neighborhoods. These moments become more than just a culinary delight; they're a bridge to cherished connections with friends and family that I hold dear.
In a city that never sleeps, where life moves at a frenetic pace, bun maska offers a moment of respite. It's a reminder to slow down, savor the flavors, and relish the small joys that life has to offer. Whether enjoyed with a cup of Irani chai, a frothy glass of cutting chai, or simply on its own, bun maska is a quintessential Mumbai experience that encapsulates the essence of the city's culinary soul.
Here's to sharing my dadima's very own Irresistible Buttered Bun Maska Pav Recipe that has been taught to her by one of her closest Parsi friends.
Bun Maska Pav
Prep time: 20 minutes
Rest time: 2 hours
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
300g all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp instant yeast
75g Sugar
1 tsp salt
150ml heavy cream (warm)
50ml milk (warm)
1/4 cup tutti frutti mixture (Store bought)
2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
Unsalted Butter/ghee (glazing)
Directions:
1. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, yeast, tutti frutti, heavy cream, butter and milk (as needed). Knead for 5 minutes and then add salt. Knead again until everything is combined and a soft dough forms.
2. Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise inside an oven or a warm/dark place. It should take about 1 hour, 30 minutes for the dough to have doubled in size.
3. Gently knock out the air and divide the dough into equal parts, 60g for each buns and roll into dough balls.
4. Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover the shaped dough balls for another 30 minutes , allowing them to rise again.
5. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the buns for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
6. Remove from the oven and glaze the buns with butter and sea salt flakes. Enjoy with a cup of chai or coffee.
