Maharashtrian Misal Recipe | Spicy Sprouts Curry

Misal Pav is a popular Maharashtrian dish made with sprouted matki cooked in a spicy, aromatic gravy and topped with crunchy farsan, onion, coriander and lemon. Nairuti Misal Masala brings the characteristic heat and bold spice profile.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Sprouted matki / moth beans: 2 cups
• Onion, finely chopped: 2 medium
• Tomatoes, finely chopped: 2 medium
• Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp

Masala & Cooking

• Nairuti Misal Masala: 2½ tbsp
• Turmeric powder: ½ tsp
• Red chilli powder: ½ tsp, optional
• Salt: To taste
• Oil: 2½ tbsp
• Water: As needed

For Serving

• Farsan / sev mixture: 1½ cups
• Pav: 8
• Onion, finely chopped: For topping
• Fresh coriander: For garnish
• Lemon wedges: For serving

Method

1. Cook the sprouted matki: Cook in enough water until tender but not mushy. Drain only if there is excessive water.
2. Sauté the onion base: Heat oil and sauté the onions until golden brown.
3. Add ginger and tomato: Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Build the masala: Lower the heat and add turmeric, Nairuti Misal Masala, optional red chilli and salt. Cook until thick and aromatic.
5. Add matki and simmer: Add the cooked matki and enough water for a flavourful gravy. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
6. Assemble: Spoon into bowls and top with farsan, onion and coriander. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and pav.

Tip

Keep enough gravy to soak into the farsan without making the bowl dry. Farsan absorbs liquid quickly.

Serving Ideas

• Classic Misal Pav
• Extra gravy style
• Dahi Misal
• Misal bowl without pav

Tips

• Do not overcook the matki.
• Cook the onion-tomato masala well.
• Adjust extra chilli to taste.
• Add farsan only at serving time.

More Ways to Use Misal Masala

• Usal
• Spicy sprouts curry
• Misal pulao
• Spicy potato curry

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sprouts are best for Misal Pav?

Sprouted matki or moth beans are most commonly used because they cook well and absorb the gravy.

How spicy is Misal Pav?

It is traditionally bold and spicy. Reduce or omit additional red chilli powder for a milder version.

What is the difference between misal and usal?

Usal is the cooked sprouts curry, while misal is usually assembled with gravy, farsan, onion, coriander and other toppings.

Why add farsan only at the end?

Farsan absorbs gravy quickly and loses crunch, so add it just before eating.

What should I serve with Misal Pav?

Soft pav, farsan, chopped onion, coriander, lemon and extra gravy are classic accompaniments.

Make It with Nairuti

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