Misal Pav: A Spicy Maharashtrian Street Food Delight

Introduction:

Misal Pav is a popular street food dish from Maharashtra, India, known for its vibrant flavors and fiery spice. It consists of a spicy sprouted lentil curry, called misal, served with pav, a soft and fluffy bread roll. This delectable combination is a favorite among food enthusiasts who enjoy bold and tangy flavors. Misal Pav is a must-try dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe to recreate this delightful street food experience in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Misal:

• 1 cup mixed sprouts (moth beans, mung beans, and black-eyed peas)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons misal masala (spice mix)
• Salt to taste
• Water for cooking

For the Misal Topping:

• Finely chopped onions
• Finely chopped tomatoes
• Finely chopped coriander leaves
• Thin sev (fried chickpea flour noodles)
• Lemon wedges

For the Pav:

• 8 pav (soft bread rolls)
• Butter for toasting

Instructions:

Preparing the Misal:

1. Rinse the mixed sprouts thoroughly and soak them overnight. Drain the water.

2. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, cook the sprouts with enough water until they are tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles, or if using a pot, simmer for about 20-25 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds and sauté until they crackle.

4. Add the chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

5. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.

7. Add turmeric powder, misal masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.

8. Add the cooked sprouts to the masala mixture and mix thoroughly. Adjust the consistency with water and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Preparing the Pav:

1. Slit the pav rolls horizontally, but not all the way through.

2. Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat. Spread some butter on the griddle and place the pav rolls, cut side down. Toast until the pav turns golden brown and crispy.

3. Flip the pav and toast the other side as well. Remove from the griddle.

Assembling the Misal Pav:

1. In a serving bowl, pour a generous portion of the misal curry.

2. Top it with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.

3. Sprinkle a handful of thin sev over the curry for added crunch.

4. Serve the misal pav with lemon wedges and the toasted pav rolls on the side.

Tips:

• Adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or fewer green chilies and misal masala.
• For an extra layer of flavor, garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala.

Conclusion:

Misal Pav is a mouthwatering street food dish that captures the essence of Maharashtra's rich culinary heritage. With this recipe, you can recreate the spicy and flavorful experience of Misal Pav in your own kitchen. The combination of sprouted lentil curry, crispy toppings, and soft pav rolls creates a delightful culinary adventure. So, gather the ingredients, cook the misal curry with aromatic spices, toast the pav rolls, and assemble your Misal Pav with your favorite toppings. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite, and savor the authentic taste of this iconic Maharashtrian street food.