Chicken Keema Pav with Cheese
Lunch • India
How to Make Chicken Keema Pav with Cheese (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Chicken Keema Pav with Cheese is a beloved Mumbai street food, blending spicy minced chicken (keema) with soft pav buns and a layer of melted cheese. Originating from Maharashtra, this dish has become a staple across India, especially in urban centers. The keema is cooked with aromatic masalas, onions, tomatoes, and fresh coriander, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. Adding cheese provides a creamy texture that balances the spice and enhances the richness. This lunch recipe is perfect for those seeking hearty, protein-rich meals that satisfy without excess calories. Chicken Keema Pav is often enjoyed during local festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, and in homes across Maharashtra, where families gather to indulge in street-style delicacies. The combination of keema and pav symbolizes the fusion of traditional Indian flavors with contemporary tastes, making it a versatile dish for lunch or brunch. Its popularity has inspired numerous regional adaptations, each adding unique touches to the classic preparation.
Ingredients(for 1 pav with 1/2 cup chicken keema and cheese)
- 250 grams Chicken mince (keema) (मुर्गा कीमा)
- 4 pieces Whole wheat pav (आटा pav)
- 1 medium Onion (प्याज, finely chopped)
- 1 large Tomato (टमाटर, finely chopped)
- 3 Garlic cloves (लहसुन, minced)
- 1 inch Ginger (अदरक, grated)
- 1 Green chilli (हरी मिर्च, chopped) - optional
- 30 grams Cheese (grated, preferably Amul or local)
- 2 tbsp Coriander leaves (धनिया, chopped)
- 1 tsp Garam masala (गरम मसाला)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder (हल्दी)
- 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर) - optional
- to taste Salt (नमक)
- 1 tbsp Oil (preferably mustard or olive)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a tawa or kadhai. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
5 minutes
Cook onions thoroughly for a deep flavor base.
- 2
Add garlic, ginger, and green chilli. Fry for a minute until aromatic.
2 minutes
Use freshly minced garlic for best taste.
- 3
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Add turmeric, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt.
3 minutes
Mash tomatoes well for a smooth keema mixture.
- 4
Add chicken keema and stir well. Cook on medium flame, breaking lumps, until keema turns white and absorbs masala.
7 minutes
Cover and cook for faster and juicier keema.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Chicken Keema Pav with Cheese recipe is health-conscious due to its lean protein base, whole wheat pav, and controlled cheese portion. By incorporating minimal oil and fresh vegetables, it maintains nutrients while reducing unhealthy fats. It’s filling, supports weight management, and is ideal for those tracking macros, making it a smart choice for lunch.
Chicken keema is a lean protein source, supporting muscle growth and satiety. Whole wheat pav adds dietary fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining blood sugar. The dish provides B vitamins from chicken, antioxidants from onions and tomatoes, and minerals like iron and zinc. Cheese, when used moderately, supplies calcium and vitamin D. The use of fresh herbs and minimal oil ensures a balanced meal with controlled calories, making it suitable for calorie-conscious diets.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use freshly ground garam masala for authentic flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Opt for whole wheat pav to increase fiber and lower GI.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust cheese quantity for calorie control and taste preference.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover keema in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on tawa before serving. Pav is best consumed fresh but can be stored in a bread box for 1 day.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 420.0 kcal |
