how to make the Usal (sprouted bean curry) for Misal Pav, here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients

• 1½ cups matki (moth bean) sprouts
• 1 medium potato, boiled and cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1–2 green chilies, chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1–2 tsp goda masala or garam masala
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 6–8 curry leaves
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• 1–2 cups water
• A little tamarind pulp or lemon juice

Method

1. Cook the sprouts: Boil the matki sprouts with a little turmeric and salt until soft but not mushy.
2. Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds, then cumin seeds and curry leaves.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry for 1 minute.
5. Add tomato and cook until soft.
6. Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and goda/garam masala. Mix well.
7. Add the cooked sprouts and potato. Add water and salt.
8. Simmer for 8–10 minutes. The Usal should have some gravy—not be completely dry.
9. Finish with a little tamarind pulp or lemon juice.

For Misal Pav, put the Usal in a bowl, add spicy kat/tarri, then top with farsan, chopped onion, coriander and lemon. Serve with hot pav.

Tip: For a more authentic Maharashtrian taste, use matki sprouts + goda masala. You can make the kat separately if you want the classic spicy, oily red gravy.