Misal Pav is a popular Maharashtrian dish that consists of a spicy sprouted lentil curry (misal) served with pav (soft bread rolls).
Ingredients:
For the Misal:
- 1 cup mixed sprouts (such as moong beans, moth beans, black chickpeas)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 small potato, boiled and diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon misal masala (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
- Water as needed
For the Pav:
- 8 pav (soft bread rolls)
- Butter for toasting
For Garnish:
- Chopped onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Farsan (mixture of crispy savory snacks)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Misal:
1.1 Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing).
1.2 Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
1.3 Add minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
1.4 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to release.
1.5 Add turmeric powder, misal masala, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
1.6 Add the mixed sprouts and boiled diced potatoes. Mix everything together.
1.7 Add water to cover the sprouts. Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer until the sprouts are cooked and tender.
2. Prepare the Pav:
2.1 Slit the pav horizontally, but not all the way through.
2.2 Heat a pan or griddle. Spread a little butter on the cut sides of the pav.
2.3 Toast the pav on the griddle until they are golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
3. Assemble the Misal Pav:
3.1 Ladle the prepared misal (sprouted lentil curry) into serving bowls.
3.2 Top the misal with chopped onions, chopped cilantro, and farsan.
4. Serve:
4.1 Serve the misal hot with the toasted pav and lemon wedges on the side.
5. Enjoy:
5.1 To eat, tear pieces of the pav and dip them into the spicy misal.
Misal Pav is a flavorful and spicy dish that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a satisfying snack. Enjoy the combination of textures and flavors in this beloved Maharashtrian dish!