Keema Pav (Indian Sloppy Joe)
For the Keema (Meat Mixture)
For the Raita (Spiced Yogurt Dip)
For the Pickled Onions
For the Buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Prepare Vegetables for Keema
Finely chop 1/2 yellow bell pepper (or green chili) and set aside.
Prepare Onions for Keema
Finely chop 1/2 red onion and set aside.
Prepare Pickled Onions
Thinly slice 1/4 red onion. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and optionally 1 tsp sugar. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Add the sliced onions to the mixture and set aside to pickle until serving.
Prepare Raita
In a bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt) and 1/2 cup sour cream. Add 1/2 finely grated cucumber, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp black salt, 1/4 tsp chaat masala, 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (or parsley), 1 tbsp chopped green onions, and 1 tbsp chopped mint. Mix well. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Optionally, add a dash of lemon juice for extra tanginess. Set aside.
Prepare Garlic-Ginger Paste
Press or equal parts garlic and ginger (approx. 1 tbsp each) into a small bowl. Add a dash of oil and combine.
Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Heat 1-2 tbsp ghee or oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped red onions and bell peppers. until softened, about . Add 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Stir and cook for about until fragrant.
Add Garlic-Ginger Paste and Tomato Paste
Add the prepared garlic-ginger paste to the pan and stir quickly for about , being careful not to burn it. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste (or 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes) and cook for about , stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
Cook Ground Meat
Add 1 lb ground meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and brown it. Add 2-4 oz water to help it cook and create a sauce. Stir well.
Season and Simmer
Taste the meat mixture and add salt to taste. Add 1/2 cup frozen green peas. If desired for heat, cut open 1 serrano pepper and add it to the pan. Cover the pan (or use a pizza pan as a lid) and let it on medium heat for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
Prepare Buns
In a separate pan or griddle, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1/2 tsp paprika to the melted butter and stir.
Toast Buns
Slice 4 milk buns (or burger buns) in half. Place the cut sides of the buns into the spiced butter mixture in the pan. until golden brown and slightly crispy, about per side.
Assemble Keema Pav (Classic)
Place the bottom half of a bun on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the Keema (meat mixture) onto the bun. Top with a few pickled red onions and a dollop of Raita. Place the top half of the bun on top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or mint.
Assemble Keema Pav (Deconstructed)
Place a bun on one side of a plate. Spoon a portion of the Keema (meat mixture) next to it. Add a small bowl of pickled onions and a small bowl of Raita on the side. This allows guests to assemble their own or use the bun as a scoop.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 11 swaps
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Yogurt?
- Sour cream (1:1)
- Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
No Sour cream?
- Plain Greek yogurt (1:1)
- Crème fraîche (1:1)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.
No Vinegar (white)?
- Lemon or lime juice (1:1)
- Apple cider vinegar (1:1)
No Milk?
- Unsweetened almond / soy / oat milk (1:1)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water (per 1 cup)
No Butter?
- 3/4 the amount of olive oil (for cooking, not baking)
- Equal parts ghee — Slightly nuttier flavor.
- Equal parts coconut oil (in baking)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Use green chili for a classic spicy flavorCustomise
- Substitute tomato paste with crushed tomatoesIngredient swap
- Use Icelandic Skyr yogurt for raita if available
- Serve with flatbread instead ofIngredient swap
Serve with flatbread instead of buns for a deconstructed version.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
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