Misal pav is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made from mixed sprouts topped with onions and crunchy sev and served with soft, buttery pav. The sprouts are cooked in a base of onions and tomatoes with aromatic roasted coconut and flavorful misal masala. Misal masala can be made at home or it can be bought from the market.
There are many versions of misal. Some variations are spicy, some are mild , some used white peas and some are served with poha. Mine is a quick version of misal which is customizable and I used ready made misal masala which makes it a easy, healthy and filling dish.
Ingredients required :
Moth bean sprouts: Small brown beans which are easily available in Indian stores. They are also called matki sprouts. These beans are first soaked in water over night and then sprouted. They are the main sprouts used in the recipe.
Moong bean sprouts: They are optional but adding mixed sprouts add texture to the misal and makes it more healthy. They are also soaked overnight and sprouted .
Onion and tomatoes: for the gravy base.
Dry coconut : Provides a tempting aroma and nutty flavor to the body.
Spices: You will need essential spices like turmeric powder , chilli powder , asfoetida and salt. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.
Misal Masala : I used ready made Misal masala and the brand I like is ‘Katdare Misal masala’ . You can also use goda masala.
Garnish : Coriander leaves, Farsan ( ready made sev mix) and lime juice.
1. Making of coconut and onion paste 2. Making the gravy
Misal Pav
Ingredients
Beans or sprouts :
- ½ cup Moth bean or 1 cup moth bean sprouts
- ½ cup Moong bean or 1 cup moong bean sprouts
To make a paste :
- 1 Onion sliced thinly
- ¼ cup Unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 3 Garlic cloves chopped roughly
- 1 tbsp Oil
For the curry :
- 3 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- ½ tsp Mustard seeds/Rai
- 10-12 Curry leaves
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2-3 Tomatoes finely chopped
- 2-3 Green chillies sliced
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red Chill Powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Chili powder
- 3 tbsp Misal masala ( you can use goda masala or pav bhaji masala)
- Salt
- ¼ Cup Tomato puree (optional)
For serving with misal :
- Chopped onions
- Lemon slices
- Any crunchy farsan (namkeen)
- Pav ( white rolls )
Instructions
For getting moong beans to sprout :
- Soak the moon beans in water over night or for 8-10 hours.
- Next, rinse the moong beans and strain the excess water. Cover the moong beans with a muslin cloth or lightly breathable cloth for 24 hours. You will get sprouts after 24-48 hours.
- You can buy the sprouts from the market too.
Make a paste
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick pan. Add thinly sliced onion and saute for 2-3 mins on medium heat.Add chopped garlic and saute for few minutes.
- Add coconut and roast for few minutes until it is golden and aromatic.
- Switch off the gas, let it cool and grind this mix into a smooth paste with little water.
To make Misal curry
- In a Pressure cooker , add 3 tbsp oil on medium heat and crackle mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Add asfoetida.
- Add curry leaves and sliced green chillies.
- Add chopped onions and saute for few minutes till the onions are translucent.
- Next, add prepared onion and coconut paste and mix every thing. Saute on medium flame for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, puree (if using) turmeric powder, red chilli powder, misal masala and 1 tbsp water. Cook on medium flame for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sprouts and mix. Add 2 cups of water and salt. Mix well and pressure cook for 3 whistles.
- Once the steam escapes, check the consistency and salt. Add little water if it is thick and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped coriander and squeeze some lemon juice . The misal is ready.
To serve:
- Layer the misal by adding farsan on top , chopped onion and squeeze some lemon juice.
- Slice the Pav in half . Fry gently in butter over medium heat. Serve with misal. Enjoy!