Spice Up Your Day: Authentic Maharashtrian Misal Pav Recipe (मिसल पाव रेसिपी)

 

Certainly! Misal Pav is a popular Maharashtrian dish known for its spicy and flavorful taste. Here are the ingredients and a brief history and method of making it:

Ingredients:

For the Misal:

1 cup dried white peas (Usal)

2-3 cloves of garlic

1-inch piece of ginger

2-3 green chilies

1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp cumin seeds

A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 tsp garam masala

2 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Lemon wedges for garnish

For the Topping:

Farsan (crunchy snack, often sev)

Finely chopped onions

Finely chopped fresh coriander leaves

Pav (Indian bread rolls)

Method:

Preparation of Usal (Peas Mixture):

Soak dried white peas overnight in water.

Pressure cook the soaked peas until they are soft and can be mashed easily.

In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and let them splutter.

Add finely chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.

Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Sauté for a few more minutes.

Add the cooked peas to the spice mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Assembling Misal Pav:

In a serving bowl, place a ladleful of the Usal (peas mixture).

Top it with farsan, finely chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with pav and lemon wedges.

History:

Misal Pav is believed to have originated in Pune, Maharashtra. It's a dish that evolved from the traditional Maharashtrian Usal (spiced sprouted beans). The addition of farsan, onions, and pav (bread rolls) created the iconic Misal Pav we know today.

Misal Pav's spicy and tangy flavors have made it a beloved street food dish not only in Maharashtra but across India. It has many regional variations, each with its own unique twist on the recipe. Over the years, it has become a staple breakfast or snack item in many households and eateries, enjoyed for its bold flavors and textures.

Enjoy making and savoring this delicious.