There’s something magical about the monsoon in India, the cool breeze, rhythmic rainfall, and the unmistakable craving for something hot and spicy. When the skies turn grey, few dishes lift the spirit quite like a bowl of misal pav. A fiery Maharashtrian classic, misal pav is a vibrant medley of spicy curry, crunchy toppings, and buttery pav that warms you from the inside out. Today, we’ll explore how to make misal pav from scratch, with step-by-step guidance and kitchen-friendly tips to bring authentic flavours into your home.
Quick Recipe Overview:
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes+
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Cuisine: Maharashtrian street food
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Course: Breakfast, snack, or light meal
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Serves: 4
What Makes Misal Pav So Special?
Misal pav is more than just a dish, it’s an experience. With a base of protein-rich sprouts (known as usal), a spicy broth (rassa), crunchy toppings (farsan), and soft pav, every bite is a blend of textures and bold flavours. Whether you're curled up by the window or hosting guests on a rainy evening, misal pav hits all the right notes, comfort, heat, and joy.
Ingredients: Everything You’ll Need
For the Usal (Sprout Curry):
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2 cups moth bean sprouts (or mixed sprouts)
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2 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
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½ tsp turmeric powder
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Salt to taste
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3 cups water
For the Rassa (Spicy Gravy):
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3–4 tbsp oil
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1 tsp mustard seeds
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1 tsp cumin seeds
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10 curry leaves
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 green chilies, finely chopped
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1½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
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1 tsp red chili powder
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½ tsp turmeric powder
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1 tsp coriander powder
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1 tsp goda masala (or garam masala)
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½ cup tamarind pulp (or 1 medium tomato, chopped)
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½ tsp jaggery
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Salt to taste
For Garnishing & Serving:
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½ cup chopped onions
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½ cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
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½ cup mixed farsan or sev
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¼ cup chopped coriander leaves
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Lemon wedges
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8 pav buns
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Butter (for toasting)
How to Make Misal Pav: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Usal:
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Rinse the sprouts thoroughly and place them in a pressure cooker
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Add turmeric, salt, cubed potatoes, and water.
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Cook for 2–3 whistles until the sprouts are soft but not mushy. Set aside.
Making the Masala Base:
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In a deep pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
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Once they crackle, toss in curry leaves followed by chopped onions and green chilies.
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Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
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Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
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Mix in red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and goda masala.
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Add tamarind pulp (or chopped tomato) and jaggery. Let the mixture cook until the oil starts to separate.
Combining Usal and Masala:
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Add the cooked sprouts and potatoes into the masala.
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Pour in enough water to achieve a slightly soupy consistency.
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Simmer for 10–12 minutes on low heat until flavours meld.
Toasting the Pav:
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Slice the pav buns and toast them on a pan with butter until golden and crisp on the edges.
Assembling the Misal Pav:
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In a serving bowl, pour the usal along with some rassa.
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Top with chopped onions, tomatoes, farsan, and coriander.
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Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
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Serve hot with toasted pav on the side.
Variations to Try:
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Kolhapuri Misal: Add extra chili and a dash of black masala for a fiery kick.
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Puneri Misal: Milder and often includes poha.
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Nashik Style: Includes both poha and farsan with a slightly tangy flavour.
Health Benefits of Misal Pav:
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Rich in Protein: Thanks to the sprouts, it’s a great plant-based protein source.
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Fiber Boost: Onions, sprouts, and tomatoes contribute dietary fibre.
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Energizing: Perfect as a power-packed breakfast or post-rain energy boost.
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Customizable Heat: Easily adjust spice levels to suit everyone in the family.
Tips to Elevate Your Misal Pav:
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Use fresh farsan: Add it just before serving to keep it crunchy.
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Serve extra rassa on the side: For those who love it spicy and soupy.
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Prep ahead: Usal and masala can be made in advance and refrigerated.
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Toasting the pav: Always use a generous dab of butter, it enhances flavour and aroma.
There’s a reason misal pav is a go-to comfort food for so many, it’s hearty, flavourful, and easy to tailor. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is forgiving and full of opportunities for creativity. The real beauty of misal pav lies in its contrast, spicy vs soft, crunchy vs creamy, all tied together with buttery bread.
Kitchen Companions to Make Cooking Easier:
When making intricate Indian recipes like misal pav, having the right kitchen appliances can dramatically simplify your kitchen experience. These two Wipro appliances are game changers:
Wipro Elato 1000W Mixer Grinder:
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Powerful 1000W pure copper motor – for heavy-duty tasks and quick results.
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Deep Flow Breaker (DFB) technology – ensures smooth and fast grinding of masalas.
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Elegant, modern design – elevates your kitchen while offering ergonomic ease.
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High-grade stainless-steel jars – including 1500ml, 1200ml, and 500ml options for all prep needs.
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Stone pounding blades – preserve the aroma and texture of dry spices.
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Overload protection – keeps your cooking safe and stress-free.
Wipro’s Mixer and Grinder is Ideal for grinding ginger-garlic paste, blending tamarind pulp, or even whipping up your spice blend for misal masala.
Wipro Elato Multi Cooker Kettle 1.5L:
For those who love multitasking in the kitchen:
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Tempered glass lid – lets you monitor cooking without losing heat.
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Cool-touch design – safe and family-friendly.
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Rust-resistant build – retains its sleek look and performance over time.
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Concurrent cooking capability – boil sprouts and warm rassa at the same time.
This all-in-one solution helps you prep misal faster while keeping everything piping hot, ideal for monsoon moods.
Whether you're craving heat to cut through the chill or a vibrant dish to brighten up a grey day, this misal pav recipe is just what you need. Simple yet packed with flavour, it’s a dish that brings comfort and celebration in equal measure. Add a couple of smart appliances like the Wipro Elato Mixer Grinder and Wipro Outer lid Multi Cooker Kettle to your kitchen, and you’ll not only save time, you’ll cook like a pro.
Now go on, stir up that rassa, toast the pav, and let the aroma fill your home. Rainy days never tasted so good!
