Missal Pav is a delightful and flavorsome dish that's rooted in the cuisine of Pune, Maharashtra. Its hearty combination of spicy sprouts curry and soft, buttery bread (Pav) has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. If you're eager to bring the taste of this Maharashtrian delight to your kitchen, here are five essential steps to make authentic Missal Pav.
1. Collect Your Ingredients
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- Missal: Sprouted Moth Beans (Matki), Onion, Tomatoes, Garlic, Ginger, Green Chillies, Turmeric, Red Chilli Powder, Goda Masala, Kala Masala, Mustard Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Asafoetida, Curry Leaves, Oil, Water, Salt, Farsan, Chopped Onions, and Cilantro.
- Pav: Soft pav rolls, Butter or Ghee.
- Accompaniments: Lemon Wedges, Green Coriander Chutney, Grated Coconut (optional), and Potato Chips.
2. Prepare the Sprouts
Missal starts with sprouted moth beans (matki):
- Rinse the moth beans and soak them overnight. The next day, drain them and wrap in a damp cloth or muslin to sprout for about 24-48 hours.
- Boil the sprouted beans until they are cooked but still have some bite to them. Keep them aside.
3. Make the Usal (Curry Base)
The curry is the heart of Missal Pav:
- Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until aromatic.
- Sauté chopped onion until golden brown. Add grated ginger, garlic, and chopped green chillies. Cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add finely chopped tomatoes, cook until they turn mushy and the oil begins to separate.
- Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, goda masala, and kala masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Add the pre-cooked moth beans, salt, and water to achieve a curry-like consistency. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Top with farsan (sev, murmura, etc.) and serve.
🍲 Note: Goda Masala is unique to Maharashtrian cuisine. If unavailable, you can use garam masala with a hint of tamarind powder for a similar flavor profile.
4. Ready the Pav and Accompaniments
While the usal cooks, prepare the accompaniments:
- Toast the pav rolls with butter or ghee on a flat pan until they turn golden and crisp on the outside.
- Chop onions finely for garnish, squeeze fresh lemon juice on them for zest.
- Arrange lemon wedges, green coriander chutney, and grated coconut (if using) for serving.
5. Assemble and Serve
To serve:
- Pour a generous portion of the usal into bowls. Top it with farsan, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve the toasted pav on the side along with the potato chips for crunch.
- Accompany with green chutney, more lemon, and optional grated coconut.
There you have it, an authentic plate of Missal Pav, ready to be savored. This meal captures the essence of Maharashtra's culinary tradition with its mix of textures and spicy, tangy flavors. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Missal Pav is a versatile dish that brings comfort and satisfaction. Remember, the key to its authenticity lies in the quality of the spices and the love with which you prepare it. Embrace this culinary journey and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Pune right from your own kitchen.
What is the difference between Missal and Usal?
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Missal is the entire dish, including the curry or ‘usal’ made from sprouted beans, topped with farsan, onions, and other garnishes, whereas Usal is just the curry base made from beans.
Can Missal Pav be made without goda masala?
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While goda masala provides a unique flavor, if unavailable, you can use garam masala with a touch of tamarind or kokum for tanginess. The taste will differ but will still be delicious.
How long does it take for moth beans to sprout?
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Moth beans typically take 24-48 hours to sprout after soaking. Keep them moist and in a warm environment to encourage sprouting.
