Did you know that some of the most famous street foods of Mumbai have their origins in Portugal? We are talking about pav, the accompaniment that would render vada pav, pav bhaji and misal pav incomplete. It is a cross between bread and bun, and has a distinctly yeast-y aroma and springy, stretchy texture.
What is pav? The Portuguese soon started forcing the locals to make pão. While India was abundant in wheat, there was no yeast. According to some accounts, fermented toddy was used instead as a starter for bread. Thus, pav came into existence in India, replacing flat breads and becoming one of the most important staples in Goa and Maharashtra. Pav is stretchier than regular bread and has a delicious yeast-like taste. The aroma of pav making is also quite distinct and pleasant. There are two types of pav -- kadak (hard shell with a soft interior) and naram (soft pav). Soft pavs are used to sandwich potato wada, pakoda or samosa between them as a cheap and delicious snack in Mumbai. They are also toasted in butter to accompany a spicy bhaji (mashed vegetable mixture). Pavs are also used to mop up the spicy misal curry. Pavs can also be used in place of chapatis and breads to accompany spicy chicken, mutton or fish curries. Omelette or burji pav is also a breakfast of choice for many Mumbaikars and Goans on the go. Also Read: Is white bread bad for you? Health benefits and risks Pav calories and nutrition Also Read: Sweet benefits of sourdough bread: Why it's better than whole wheat bread Some of the health risks or hazards of eating pav include:
Pav is a bread that originated in Portugal and was brought to Goa, India by the Portuguese settlers. This bread was called pão and was used in the church for communion.
100 grams of pav contain the following nutrients:
Source: USDANutrients Measure (Daily Value) Calories 265 Total fat 3.2 gm (4%) Saturated fat 0.7 gm (3%) Trans fat 0 gm Cholesterol 0 mg Sodium 491 mg (20%) Potassium 115 mg (3%) Total carbohydrates 49 gm (16%) Dietary fibre 2.7 gm (10%) Sugar 5 gm Protein 9 gm Vitamin C 0% Calcium 26% Iron 19% Vitamin D 0 Vitamin B6 5% Cobalamin 0% Magnesium 6%
Health benefits of pav
There aren't many health benefits of pav since it's made of refined flour, which is bereft of any nutrients. Pav is, however, a great source of carbohydrates, and is often consumed as part of the first meal of the day. Multigrain and brown pav made of whole wheat are fast gaining popularity among the health-conscious consumers. They lack the stretchy texture of pav, but are more nutritious.
How to make pav healthier
References:
1. United States Department of Agriculture
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