Indian Misal Bunny Chow Recipe: A Flavorful Maharashtrian Delight
Misal Bunny Chow is a fusion dish that originates from the bustling streets of Mumbai, India, combining the traditional Maharashtrian Misal with the concept of Bunny Chow, a South African street food. The result is a delightful, spicy, and tangy dish served inside a pav (bread roll) bowl, making it not only a delicious meal but also a fun and interactive experience. It’s perfect for a snack, light lunch, or even as a centerpiece for your next tea party.
With a rich history of vibrant spices and textures, this recipe packs high protein thanks to the mixed sprouts, complemented by the sharpness of tamarind and the crunchiness of farsan (a dry snack mix). Whether you’re new to Maharashtrian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this Misal Bunny Chow is sure to be a hit with your tastebuds.
Ingredients for Misal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed Sprouts (cleaned) | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli (slit) | 1 |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Maharashtrian Goda Masala | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Curry leaves | 6 leaves |
| Tamarind Paste (or Lemon Juice) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (for garnish) | 5 sprigs |
| Onion (finely chopped, for garnish) | 1 |
| Farsan (or dry snack mix, for garnish) | As required |
| Lemon wedges (for garnish) | As required |
| Pav buns | As required |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Servings:
3
Cuisine:
Maharashtrian
Course:
Snack
Diet:
High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Misal Bunny Chow:
-
Cook the Sprouts:
Begin by preparing the mixed sprouts. In a pressure cooker, add the cleaned sprouts, 2 cups of water, salt, turmeric powder, and chopped tomatoes. Cover and cook the mixture for 2 whistles. This process will soften the sprouts and infuse them with the rich flavor of turmeric and tomatoes. -
Prepare the Spice Base:
In a deep pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Next, add the slit green chili, finely chopped onions, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent and the aroma of ginger and garlic wafts through the air. -
Add the Goda Masala and Curry Leaves:
Sprinkle in the Maharashtrian Goda Masala, which is a fragrant spice blend, along with curry leaves. Stir everything well and sauté until the oil begins to separate from the masala base. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the dish. -
Combine with Sprouts:
Add the cooked sprouts to the spice base, mixing everything thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors together. -
Add the Tanginess:
To bring in the necessary tang, add the tamarind paste (or lemon juice) to the mixture. Let the misal simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. If the mixture appears too thick, feel free to add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency. -
Prepare the Pav Bowl:
While the misal simmers, prepare your pav (bread rolls). Carefully slice the pav buns into halves, and scoop out the center to create a hollow space, leaving the walls intact. These hollow pavs will act as little bowls to serve your misal. -
Assemble the Dish:
Once the misal is ready, spoon the hot, spicy mixture into the hollowed-out pav buns. Top with freshly chopped coriander, finely chopped onions, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. For that extra crunch, add farsan (dry snack mix) on top, creating a delightful contrast in textures. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Indian Misal Bunny Chow immediately, accompanied by additional lemon wedges and a side of green pea fritters for a complete meal. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a cup of masala chai, perfect for a cozy tea party or a light evening snack.
Tips for Making the Perfect Misal Bunny Chow:
-
Adjust the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the number of green chilies or skip the slit chili altogether. For extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of red chili powder.
-
Use Fresh Farsan: Farsan is an essential ingredient for adding a crunchy texture to the misal. It’s available in most Indian grocery stores, but you can also make your own at home by mixing fried snacks like sev, boondi, and namkeen.
-
Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but to make it vegan, ensure you use oil instead of ghee, and check that your farsan mix is free from dairy.
-
Substitute Pav with Other Bread: While traditional pav is preferred, you can also use small baguettes or dinner rolls if pav buns are unavailable.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 25% |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Iron | 8% |
This Indian Misal Bunny Chow is more than just a dish – it’s an experience, offering a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and a satisfying crunch. The high-protein sprouts make it a nutritious option, while the tangy tamarind and spicy goda masala give it that signature kick that defines Maharashtrian cuisine.
Pair it with your favorite tea, invite your friends over, and enjoy the delightful fusion of two iconic dishes in one bowl!
