Authentic Maharashtrian Missal Pav Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of mixed sprouts
  • 2 finely chopped onions
  • 1 chopped tomato
  • 2 finely chopped green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons missal masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 sprig of curry leaves
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
  • 1/2 cup farsan or mixture
  • 1 lemon (optional)
  • Pav bread as required
  • Butter for toasting pav

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the mixed sprouts overnight and pressure cook them with enough water for about 4 whistles or until they are soft.
  2. Heat oil in a large pan and add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
  3. Once the seeds splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté till they become translucent.
  4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, stirring well until the raw smell disappears.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
  6. Now, add the turmeric powder, missal masala, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well for a few minutes.
  7. Add the cooked sprouts and mix well with the masala. Add water if required and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
  8. Finish the missal by adding coriander leaves and farsan or mixture on the top.
  9. In a separate pan, slice the pav bread and toast it with some butter.
  10. Serve the missal hot with toasted pav, a slice of lemon and extra farsan on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of sprouts like moth beans, mung beans, or black-eyed peas instead of mixed sprouts.
  • Add vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to make it more nutritious.
  • For a spicier version, increase the quantity of green chilies or add red chili flakes.
  • Replace missal masala with pav bhaji masala or garam masala for a different flavor profile.
  • For a vegan option, skip the butter and use oil for toasting the pav.
  • Include a handful of peanuts or roasted gram (chana dal) for added crunch.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pav bread or serve the missal with gluten-free bread or rice.
  • Garnish with grated cheese or paneer for a creamy twist.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or tamarind pulp for a tangy taste.
  • Experiment with different types of bread like whole wheat pav or buns.

Recipe overview

Missal Pav is a popular Maharashtrian dish that is full of flavor and packed with nutrition. This delicious and wholesome meal is made from a spicy curry of mixed sprouts, topped with farsan, and served with toasted pav bread. This recipe page provides a step-by-step guide to creating this traditional Indian street food in your own kitchen. Expect a bit of preparation with sprouts soaking overnight, but once the ingredients are ready, the cooking process is straightforward and rewarding. You will be sautéing, simmering, and toasting to create a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress. The end result is a tangy, spicy, and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the process and the hearty meal of Missal Pav!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned sprouts instead of soaking and pressure cooking them?
    Yes, you can use canned sprouts as a convenient alternative to soaking and pressure cooking them. Simply drain and rinse the canned sprouts before adding them to the recipe.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for missal masala?
    If you don't have access to missal masala, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts of red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
  3. Can I make this recipe without onions and garlic?
    Yes, you can omit the onions and garlic if you prefer. However, they do add a lot of flavor to the dish. You can enhance the taste by using other aromatic ingredients like asafoetida (hing), fenugreek seeds, or onion and garlic substitutes such as shallots or ginger paste.
  4. What can I serve as a side dish with missal pav?
    Traditionally, missal pav is served with a side of lemon wedges, chopped onions, and extra farsan or mixture. You can also serve it with yogurt or a refreshing mint-coriander chutney to balance the flavors.
  5. Can I make missal pav in advance?
    While it is best to enjoy missal pav immediately after preparation, you can make the sprouts and the masala base in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When needed, reheat the masala base, add the sprouts, and assemble the dish with pav just before serving.
  6. Is missal pav a spicy dish?
    Yes, missal pav is typically a spicy dish. However, you can adjust the spice levels by reducing the amount of red chili powder or green chilies according to your preference. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a cooling side dish to balance the spiciness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Missal Pav, a Maharashtra speciality, has a humble origin, much like the vibrant and bustling streets of Mumbai where it is a beloved street food. The dish is believed to have been created by local food sellers who wanted to offer a filling and nutritious meal at an affordable price. It's a testament to the spirit of the city, where everyday people make the most out of what they have. The name Missal stems from the Marathi word 'mishra', which means mixture - perfectly capturing the essence of this dish, a tantalizing mix of sprouts, spices, and crunchy farsan, all served with a butter-laden pav. The dish is a favorite during the morning hours, often served as a hearty breakfast to fuel the day for Mumbai's hardworking populace. Much like the city itself, Missal Pav is a delicious blend of flavors, textures, and cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.