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Special Vegan Misal Pav

If you love spicy, soulful Indian street food, this Special Vegan Misal Pav is a must-try! A traditional Maharashtrian delicacy, Misal Pav is a fiery, flavorful sprout curry topped with crunchy farsan, fresh onion, coriander, and served with butter-toasted buns (pav). This vegan twist captures all the essence—minus the dairy!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Vegan, Dairy-Free
Servings: 4
Cost: 100

Ingredients

For Usal (Sprouted Curry Base):

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 pinch asafoetida hing, optional
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes finely chopped
  • 2 cups mixed sprouted moth beans or moong beans
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1½ tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tsp goda masala or garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander for garnish

For Kat (Spicy Gravy Layer):

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 tbsp grated coconut optional
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 small tomato
  • Water as needed

For Serving:

  • Vegan pav buns, toasted with vegan butter
  • Farsan or sev ensure it's vegan
  • Chopped onions
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh coriander

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Usal

  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and hing.
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
  • Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
  • Add turmeric, red chili powder, goda masala, and salt.
  • Stir in sprouted beans and water. Cook for 20–25 minutes until soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Kat (Gravy)

  • In another pan, heat oil and roast onion, coconut, sesame, and poppy seeds.
  • Let cool, then grind with tomato into a smooth paste.
  • Add the paste back to the pan, along with all dry spices.
  • Sauté until oil separates, add water as needed, and simmer to form a rich, spicy gravy.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

  • Add the kat to the cooked usal.
  • Mix well and simmer for 5 more minutes for flavors to combine.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  • Toast pav in vegan butter.
  • In a bowl, add a generous ladle of misal.
  • Top with chopped onions, farsan, coriander, and lemon juice.
  • Serve with warm pav on the side.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate the misal (usal + kat) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze the base curry for longer shelf life. Add toppings fresh when serving.

🔄 Variations

  • Add potatoes to the usal for a heartier version.
  • Skip coconut in the kat for a nut-free version.
  • Make it Jain by omitting garlic, onion, and root vegetables.

📝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 100% Vegan & Dairy-Free
  • Packed with Plant-Based Protein from Sprouts
  • Bursting with Spices & Bold Flavors
  • Great for Brunch, Breakfast, or Anytime Cravings
  • Street-Style Experience at Home!