Misal Pav

 

Misal Pav: A Spicy Maharashtrian Delight 🌶️🔥

If there’s one dish that truly embodies the fiery spirit of Maharashtra, it’s Misal Pav. This spicy, tangy, and flavor-packed dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and street food magic. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty snack, Misal Pav is a feast for the senses!

What is Misal Pav?

Misal Pav consists of two main components:

✅ Misal – A spicy sprout-based curry made from moth beans (matki), infused with a medley of aromatic spices.
✅ Pav – Soft, buttery bread rolls that perfectly balance the heat of the misal.

The dish is garnished with crispy farsan (sev or chivda), fresh coriander, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime—bringing together crunch, spice, and zest in every bite.

Types of Misal

Different regions of Maharashtra serve Misal with their own twist:
🔥 Kolhapuri Misal – The spiciest version, famous for its fiery red gravy.
😋 Puneri Misal – Milder, slightly tangy, and topped with poha.
🌿 Nashik Misal – Balanced in spice, with a generous amount of farsan.
🍛 Khandeshi Misal – Has a rich, dark, and smoky flavor.

How to Make Misal Pav at Home

Ingredients:

🫘 1 cup moth beans (matki), soaked & sprouted
🧅 2 onions, finely chopped
🍅 2 tomatoes, pureed
🧄 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
🫑 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
🌶️ 2 tbsp Misal Masala (or Kolhapuri Masala)
🫗 1 tsp mustard seeds
🥥 ¼ cup grated coconut (optional, for extra richness)
🧂 Salt, turmeric, red chili powder as per taste
🌿 Fresh coriander for garnish
🍋 Lime wedges
🍞 Pav buns, buttered & toasted

Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the sprouts: Boil the sprouted matki with a little salt until tender. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the spicy gravy: Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
3️⃣ Spice it up: Add turmeric, chili powder, and misal masala. Stir well and cook until the oil separates.
4️⃣ Combine & simmer: Add the boiled sprouts along with water to create a soupy consistency. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5️⃣ Assemble & serve: In a bowl, add a ladle of misal, top with farsan, chopped onions, and coriander. Serve hot with toasted pav and a wedge of lime.

Why You'll Love Misal Pav!

✔️ Spicy & Flavorful – Perfect for those who love a kick of heat.
✔️ Healthy & Protein-Rich – Packed with nutritious sprouts.
✔️ Versatile – Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
✔️ Street-Style Comfort Food – Enjoy the authentic Mumbai roadside experience at home!