Maharashtrian Misal Pav Recipe: A Spicy and Healthy Street Food Delight
Description:
Misal Pav is a beloved Maharashtrian street food that combines the richness of mixed sprouts, potatoes, and peas, topped with a flavorful spicy gravy, served alongside freshly baked pav buns (Indian dinner rolls). The name “misal” comes from the Marathi word for “mixture,” aptly describing this vibrant and hearty dish. A popular breakfast and snack in Maharashtra, Misal Pav offers a perfect balance of protein-rich sprouts, zesty spices, and comforting pav, making it both delicious and nutritious. The recipe is flexible, quick to prepare, and packs a punch of flavor that can satisfy cravings at any time of the day.
Cuisine
Maharashtrian Recipes
Course
Snack
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed Sprouts | 2 cups |
| Potatoes (Aloo), peeled and chopped | 3 |
| Onions, finely chopped | 2 |
| Green Chillies, chopped | 2 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch |
| Garlic, grated | 2 cloves |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Maharashtrian Goda Masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| For serving | |
| Pav buns (Indian dinner rolls) | 10 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Sev (crunchy gram flour noodles) | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves, finely chopped | 1/3 cup |
Preparation Time
45 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sprouts and Potatoes:
- Rinse the mixed sprouts thoroughly to remove any impurities or dirt.
- Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes.
- In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed sprouts, chopped potatoes, turmeric powder, salt, red chili powder, and 1/4 cup of water. Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles. Once the pressure is released, reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 3 minutes. Let the pressure cooker cool down naturally before opening.
-
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
- In a wok or deep frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped onions, green chilies, grated ginger, garlic, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions become soft and the raw aroma of ginger and garlic disappears, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the Spices:
- Once the onions are softened, add the remaining spice powders: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and Maharashtrian goda masala. Stir the spices well and sauté for about 10 seconds to allow the spices to release their aroma.
-
Combine the Sprouts and Potatoes:
- Add the cooked sprouts and potato mixture to the wok. Using the back of the spoon or a potato masher, lightly mash the mixture. The texture should remain chunky with some whole pieces of potato and sprouts intact.
- Stir the mixture well to combine with the spices.
-
Simmer and Adjust the Flavor:
- Add tamarind water to the mixture and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the Misal Pav simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the Misal Pav is ready, turn off the heat and stir in finely chopped fresh coriander leaves for added freshness.
-
Serve:
- To serve, spoon the prepared Misal into serving bowls.
- Garnish with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, sev (crunchy gram flour noodles), and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra tangy kick.
- Serve the Misal Pav with warm buttered pav buns, which can be lightly toasted for a crisp exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Maharashtrian Misal Pav is a perfect addition to your chaat party menu, offering a combination of flavors and textures. Serve it alongside other chaat favorites like Dahi Batata Puri Chaat and Roasted Papad Chaat to create a festive and satisfying spread for your guests. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a meal, this dish will surely impress with its hearty yet spicy flavor!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Misal Pav is a dynamic dish with endless variations depending on personal taste. The vibrant spices, paired with the crunch of sev and the richness of pav, offer a complete and balanced snack that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Enjoy the magic of Maharashtra in every bite!
