Misal Pav

Origin & Significance

Misal Pav is a popular and spicy street food from Maharashtra, India. Known for its bold flavors and crunchy textures, Misal consists of sprouted lentils cooked in a fiery, flavorful curry called "kat" or "rassa," topped with crunchy farsan (fried snack mix), chopped onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon. Served with buttered pav (bread rolls), this dish is a perfect combination of spice, tang, and crunch. Misal Pav is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or even a wholesome meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

🔸 For the Misal Curry (Rassa)

• 1 cup sprouted moth beans (matki)
• 1 small potato, diced (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon goda masala (or misal masala)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 1 teaspoon jaggery
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water

🔸 For the Kat (Spicy Gravy - Optional but Authentic)

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon goda masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
• 1 cup water

🔸 For Garnishing & Serving

• 1 cup mixed farsan (sev, chivda, etc.)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• 4 Pav (Indian bread rolls), buttered and toasted

Step-by-Step Preparation

📌 Step 1: Cooking the Sprouts

1. Wash and soak moth beans overnight. Drain and keep them covered for another 8-10 hours to sprout.
2. Boil the sprouted beans with potatoes (if using) and a pinch of salt in 2 cups of water until soft but not mushy. Set aside.

📌 Step 2: Preparing the Misal Curry (Rassa)

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, goda masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook until the oil separates.
6. Pour in tamarind pulp, jaggery, and salt. Mix well.
7. Add the boiled sprouts along with the cooking water and simmer for 10 minutes.

📌 Step 3: Making the Kat (Spicy Gravy - Optional)

1. Heat oil in a separate pan and add mustard seeds.
2. Add red chili powder, goda masala, turmeric, and asafoetida.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.

📌 Step 4: Assembling the Misal Pav

1. Pour the hot misal curry into serving bowls.
2. Add a ladle of spicy kat gravy for extra heat.
3. Top with crunchy farsan, chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves.
4. Serve with butter-toasted pav and lemon wedges on the side.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

🌿 Sprouted Moth Beans (Matki)

• High in plant-based protein, aiding muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and gut balance.
• Packed with antioxidants that boost immunity.

🧅 Onions & Tomatoes

• Onions contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.

🌰 Tamarind & Jaggery

• Tamarind aids digestion and detoxification.
• Jaggery is a natural sweetener loaded with minerals like iron and magnesium.

🌿 Spices (Goda Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Asafoetida, Red Chili Powder)

• Enhance metabolism and digestion.
• Have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Provide a rich, aromatic taste unique to Maharashtrian cuisine.

Enjoy the spicy, tangy, and flavorful Misal Pav, a dish that perfectly represents Maharashtra’s vibrant street food culture! Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this protein-packed delicacy is sure to delight your taste buds.

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