Authentic Maharashtrian Pau Usal: A Tangy Delight with Onion and Lemon| Street Food|Fast Food|

Misal Pav Recipe.

A Spicy Maharashtrian Street Food Delight.

Introduction: Misal Pav Recipe

Misal Pav is a beloved Indian street food, known for its rich, spicy, and tangy flavors. Originating from Maharashtra, this dish has won hearts across the country with its wholesome and satisfying appeal. It features a deliciously spiced curry made with sprouted lentils, paired with soft pav (bread rolls) and topped with crunchy farsan, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, Misal Pav is a hearty and flavorful meal that brings together texture, taste, and nutrition in every bite. This Gujarati-inspired version adds a unique touch, making it even more irresistible!

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving, Approximate):

Sev Usal is a popular Maharashtrian street food dish that is both flavorful and relatively nutritious. The dish primarily consists of usal (a spicy curry made from sprouted legumes, typically matki or moth beans), sev (crispy fried chickpea flour noodles), and various garnishes. Here's a breakdown of its nutritional aspects:


1. Calories: ~250-300 kcal
2. Protein: ~10-12 g (from the sprouts and sev)
3. Carbohydrates: ~30-35 g (from sprouts, onions, and sev)
4. Fiber: ~6-8 g (from sprouts and veggies)
5. Fats: ~10-15 g (mostly from sev and tempering oil)

Key Nutrients:

1. Legumes (Matki or Moth Beans):

- High in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
- Rich in vitamins like folate and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.

2. Sev:

- Adds crunch and flavor but is fried, contributing to fat and calorie content. Opt for baked sev for a healthier version.

3. Spices:

- Includes turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

4. Toppings:

- Onions, tomatoes, and coriander add vitamin C, antioxidants, and freshness.

5. Optional Extras:

- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and enhances iron absorption.
- Pav (bread) served alongside increases carbohydrate content.

Tips for Making Sev Usal Healthier:

- Use less oil: Prepare usal with minimal oil and avoid excessive frying in tempering.
- Opt for whole-grain pav: If you serve pav with it, use whole-wheat or multigrain varieties.
- Choose baked sev: Substitute fried sev with baked or air-fried options.
- Enhance fiber: Add extra vegetables like carrots, capsicum, or cabbage for more fiber and nutrients.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving, Approximate) Since sev and pav can add extra calories, serve these in moderation.

Sev Usal is a balanced meal when made with care, offering proteins, fiber, and essential nutrients. It can be a great addition to a healthy vegetarian diet!

Ingredients

For Misal:

- Mixed sprouted lentils (moong, green peas, chickpeas, white peas) – 2 cups
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 5-6 cloves
- Ginger – 1 large piece
- Green chilies – 2
- Onion – 2 (finely chopped)
- Tomato – 2 (finely chopped)
- Curry leaves – 5-6
- Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
- Salt – as per taste
- Kashmiri red chili powder – 2 tsp
- Coriander-cumin powder – 1 tsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp

For Misal Masala:

- Whole coriander seeds – 2 tsp
- Fennel seeds – 1 tsp
- White sesame seeds – 1 tsp
- Cloves – 4-5
- Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
- Dried red chilies – 2
- Grated dry coconut – 2 tsp

For Serving:

- Finely chopped onion
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Lemon juice
- Crispy sev or farsan
- Pav (bread rolls)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sprouted Lentils
- Boil the sprouted lentils with turmeric and salt until soft.

Step 2: Make Misal Masala
- Roast the masala ingredients (coriander seeds, fennel, sesame seeds, cloves, cinnamon, red chilies) on low heat. Grind to a fine powder, then mix with grated coconut.

Step 3: Cook the Base
1. Blend garlic, ginger, and green chilies into a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin, asafoetida, and the ginger-chili-garlic paste. Sauté until aromatic.
3. Add curry leaves and onions. Cook until golden.
4. Add tomatoes, turmeric, coriander-cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

Step 4: Combine and Cook
- Add the boiled lentils and prepared masala to the pan. Add water to adjust consistency and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the misal to a bowl. Garnish with chopped onion, coriander, lemon juice, and sev. Serve hot with pav.

Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!

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