Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsChai Pani AshevilleSloppy Jai (kheema Pav) Recipe

Sloppy Jai (kheema Pav) Recipe

Time50m
Serves4

Make Sloppy Jai (kheema Pav) Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Keema (spiced minced meat)

Method

Keema (spiced minced meat)

  1. 1

    Heat and temper

    Place a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 2 tbs vegetable oil and 1 tbs butter. Once shimmering, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Sauté aromatics

    Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and sauté 6–8 minutes until soft and beginning to brown at the edges. Add 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 tsp minced garlic and 1 finely chopped green chili (if using). Cook 1–2 minutes until raw smell disappears.

  3. 3

    Cook tomatoes & spices

    Stir in 1 cup finely chopped tomato and 1 tbs tomato paste. Add ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and 1.5 tsp salt. Cook, stirring, until tomatoes break down and oil begins to separate from the masala, about 6–8 minutes. Add 120 ml water to loosen the mixture.

  4. 4

    Brown the keema

    Increase heat to medium-high and add 500 g ground lamb or beef. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula. Cook, stirring and pressing, until the meat loses its raw color and starts to brown, about 8–10 minutes. If excess water accumulates, increase heat briefly to evaporate.

  5. 5

    Simmer & finish

    Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp garam masala, 0.5 tsp amchur (or 0.5 tsp chaat masala), 0.25 tsp black pepper and 1 tsp ground coriander (if desired). Stir and simmer 5 minutes so flavors meld and mixture thickens but remains moist (not dry). Taste and adjust salt. Stir in 0.5 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tbs lime juice off the heat.

Pav (bread) & assembly

  1. 6

    Toast the pav

    Split the 8 pav rolls horizontally without separating fully. Warm a separate skillet over medium heat and add 2 tbs unsalted butter. Place the split rolls cut-side down and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Optionally brush the outer crust lightly with butter and warm whole for 30 seconds.

  2. 7

    Assemble & garnish

    Spoon generous portions of the hot keema onto each toasted pav. Garnish with 2 tbs extra cilantro and 0.5 cup finely chopped raw onion. Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each sandwich.

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