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Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav

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Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav is a spicy breakfast or a mid-day snack consisting of sprouted beans curry topped up with onion, farsan, a dash of lemon, and enjoyed with some pav or dinner rolls.

Maharashtrian Spicy Misal served with pav, onion and lemon

What is Misal in Misal Pav

Misal here is the curry which is made using sprouted moth beans or mung beans or at times even using dried peas i.e. watana. This base curry made using beans is called Usal.

What is Usal and the difference between Usal and Misal?

So Usal basically means a curry made from beans and if it is topped up with farsan, onion, lemon, and spicy curry it is called misal. Usal also can be eaten along with pav.

What is Pav?

Pav is nothing but buns or dinner rolls that are served along with misal. And if you are looking for that Mumbai pav recipe, do check my Indian Pav recipe.

Close up look of Misal Curry topped with onion and farsan

Varieties of Misal

Different varieties of misal exist and it varies across regions in Maharashtra. Like there is Puneri misal, Nasik Misal, khandeshi misal, Nagpuri misal or Kolhapuri misal. 

They vary in the spice levels, the way it is served, the toppings, and at times even the preparation. Like the Kolhapuri misal would have garlic in it while the Nasik misal would be spicier. 

I have not eaten other types of misal but more information can be read on the net. 

For me, the first encounter of a true spicy misal was at a popular joint in thane. My DH and my dad loves misal and hence I decided to make this misal at home. 

Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav involves making a combination of the below

  • Usal – Curry made from sprouted mung or moth beans or watana.
  • Spicy masala paste.
  • The curry or the spicy gravy using the spicy masala paste above.
  • Potato bhaji or simply boiled potato added along with the usal.
  • Toppings, i.e. onion, farsan.
  • A garnish of lemon and coriander. At times tomato is also added.
  • Served along with pav.  
Things served along with Misal Pav

Quantity of oil and spice in Misal

To make a proper misal oil and spice levels need to be proper. When I made this the first time, I added less oil and less spice, and needless to say, it did not turn out proper. In my next attempt, I would say I closed my eyes to the amount of oil and spice and added it. I got the perfect misal we were craving for. Now I am making this version of misal for more than a decade and have served them to so many of my friends and family. Every time it was a huge success with all craving for more. 

However, a word of warning this misal is not for the light-hearted ones. This is not for those who cannot eat spice or enjoy spicy food. This is really hot and even the best have tears in their eyes while eating this :-).

To cool down your stomach, I would highly recommend drinking some mithi lassi or piyush after misal.  You can even have some masala chaas or fresh salted lemonade. 

Usal or Bean Curry for Misal

To make the bean curry, I sprout the whole moong beans. To sprout whole moong beans follow the steps from this post of mine. Next, I cook the sprouted beans and make a curry with oil, a few spices, and potato. I use my mom’s homemade garam masala for the curry.

Sprouted Moong Beans

Spicy Masala Paste for Misal

To make the spicy masala paste, I am using onion, tomato, coconut, and Kolhapuri masala or at times Maharashtrian Masala. I am using shop-bought Kolhapuri masala. One can make the masala at home too. 

Kat or Tarri or Spicy curry for Misal

For the spicy curry, I am using masala paste, kokum, red chilly, asafoetida, salt, and water. Kokum is a souring agent similar to tamarind used in the states of Maharashtra. It imparts a typical taste to the dish and at times is deep pink or red color. 

Assembling the misal

The last step is assembling everything. To the usal, one adds the masala paste, tarri, onion, farsan and lemon. The spicy curry already has the masala paste in it, but those who enjoy it really spicy can add more of the curry paste while assembling. 

Can one refrigerate the masala mix?

Yes once the paste is ready you can refrigerate it for 8-15 days and use it in different curries and stir-fry veggies. 

Storing the masala paste in the freezer

This stays good in the freezer for up to 6 months. Simply let it cool completely, and add in a zip lock or a freezer-safe container or in ice cubes. To store in a ziplock, flatten it so that when you need it you can just remove the portion required and defrost. This way you do not need to defrost everything. 

Can one refrigerate the rasaa? Yes, one can. It stays good for 6-8 days. I have not used it any longer than that. This rassa can be enjoyed with vada and it makes the famous Kolhapuri kat vada dish. This can be mixed with dal rice or can be enjoyed as a dip with veggies.

Is this Vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients used in the recipe are completely Vegan. However, be sure to check the farsan mix you use. Generally, it is also vegan.

Is this Gluten-Free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in the misal are Gluten-free. However, the pav is not gluten-free. If you like gluten-free use gluten-free pao.

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Maharashtrian Spicy Misal served with pav, onion and lemon

Recipe of Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav

Maharashtrian Spicy Misal served with pav, onion and lemon

Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav

Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav is a spicy breakfast or a mid-day snack consisting of sprouted beans curry topped up with onion, farsan, a dash of lemon, and enjoyed with some pav or dinner rolls.
5 from 3 votes
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Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Snacks
Cuisine: Indian, Maharashtrian
Keyword: Bread, Legumes / Beans / Pulses, Vegan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Author: Renu Agrawal-Dongre

Ingredients

For Usal or the Bean Curry

  • 2 cups Sprouted and boiled Mung Beans -Moth Beans/Dried Peas
  • 1 medium-sized boiled potato cubed or mashed
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida – Hing
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1//4 teaspoon Turmeric – Haldi
  • Salt as per taste

For Misal Masala Paste/Kolhapuri Paste

  • 2 medium-size finely chopped Onion
  • 1 tomato finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh Coconut Grated or chopped
  • 3 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Hing
  • 2-3 tablespoon Kolhapuri Masala -Adjusted as per taste – If not available one can use Maharashtrian Mix Masala too

For Rassa

  • 3-4 tablespoon Misal Masala Paste/Kolhapuri Paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida – Hing
  • 5-6 Kokum soaked in ¼ cup water -Skip it if you do not have
  • 6 tablespoon Oil
  • 3-4 tsp Red chilly powder -as per taste
  • Salt as per taste
  • 5 cups Water as required

Assembling

  • Mix Farsan
  • Finely chopped onions as required
  • Coriander to garnish
  • Lemon
  • Preparation

Instructions

For Misal Masala Paste/Kolhapuri Paste

  • In a pot add the oil.
    3 tablespoon Oil
  • Once hot add asafoetida
    1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida
  • Now add chopped onion and cook till translucent.
    2 medium-size finely chopped Onion
    Translucent onion
  • Add coconut and let this cook for 5-6 minutes.
    1/2 cup fresh Coconut Grated or chopped
    Onions and coconut getting cooked
  • Coconut is done when it turns slightly brown.
  • Now add the chopped tomato, Kolhapuri Masala Powder/ masala mix and mix.
    1 tomato finely chopped
  • Let this cook on slow to medium until the masala starts releasing oil.
  • This will take around 8-10 minutes.
  • Switch off the gas and let it cool completely.
    The cooked masala paste mixture
  • Once cooled, using some water make it into a smooth paste.

For Usal or the Bean Curry

  • In a pot heat the oil.
    1 tablespoon Oil
  • Once hot add asafoetida and mustard seeds.
    1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida
  • Let mustard seeds crackle.
    1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • Now add the sprouted mung beans, mashed or cubed potato
    2 cups Sprouted and boiled Mung Beans, 1 medium-sized boiled potato cubed or mashed
  • Add Garam masala and salt.
    1 teaspoon Garam Masala, Salt as per taste
  • If require add water. We do not want a thin consistency of gravy.
    5 cups Water as required
  • Bring the mix to a boil and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes
  • Switch off and keep it aside.

For Rassa

  • Heat oil in a pot.
    6 tablespoon Oil
  • Once the oil is hot, add red chilly powder and turmeric and keep on stirring. Continuously stir it or else the red chilly powder will burn.
    3-4 tsp Red chilly powder, 1//4 teaspoon Turmeric – Haldi
  • Now add the Kolhapuri Masala paste and stir again.
  • Cook this again for 2-3 minutes stirring continuously, until you see the oil starts releasing.
    The tari in the making
  • Now add the kokum water mixture, water, salt.
    5-6 Kokum soaked in ¼ cup water, Salt as per taste, 5 cups Water as required
  • Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiled let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
    The curry
  • Switch off and let it cool.

Assembling the misal

  • In a serving bowl first, add 3-4 tablespoons of Usal or the bean curry.
  • Add ½-1 tablespoon of Misal Masala Paste/Kolhapuri Paste (Optional and can be skipped, depending on the spice level of the individual)
  • Now add 1 cup or 2-3 ladles full of rassa.
  • Add 2-3 tablespoons of mixed farsan, 2-3 tablespoons of chopped onion
    Mix Farsan, Finely chopped onions as required
  • Add around 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
    Lemon
  • Garnish with coriander and serve with pav.
    Coriander to garnish

Notes

  • To make a proper misal one needs the amount of spice and oil.
  • A combination of Mung Beans, Moth Beans, or Dried Peas (Vatana). Though typically one uses a single type of beans, I find this way easier to feed fussy eaters.
  • If you cannot get fresh coconut replace it with desiccated Coconut
  • While assembling masala paste is optional.
  • The quantity of rassa, onion, farsan can be adjusted as per taste.
 
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Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.

Updates

This post was originally posted on 11-January-2014. I have updated this post today 7-January-2022 with more content and new images.

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Recipe Rating




Archana

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

Wow! Renu you recipe of misal pav is definitely mouthwatering. I have not had a decent misal pav for ages now. Must definitely make some now that I have the authentic recipe.

Kalyani

Saturday 22nd of January 2022

I usually do not add potato and the 'kat/thari' into the missal, which I know is crucial. but now I have an authentic recipe to refer to !

Mayuri Patel

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

Wow, Renu, Maharashtrian Spicy Misal Pav is definitely red hot! Going through your recipe, it seems I've been making a lame version of misal pav! Have to try this version when I get some moth with the proper amount of oil and spices. Looks super tempting.

Renu Agrawal Dongre

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

Thank You, yes the real misal is spicy and with oil