Prepare Kolhapuri Misal at Home: A Delicious Recipe by Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

Kolhapuri Misal is a fiery, flavorful dish that hails from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, known for its spicy and aromatic profile. It’s a beloved street food and breakfast item, enjoyed for its rich combination of textures and tastes, from crispy sev to the hearty misal curry and soft pav (bread). While it’s often enjoyed at local eateries, you can easily prepare this mouth-watering dish at home. Follow this simple yet delicious recipe, curated by renowned celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

Ingredients:

For Misal Curry:

• 1 cup sprouted moth beans (matki) or sprouted lentils
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Kolhapuri misal masala (available in stores or you can make your own using a blend of garam masala, red chili powder, and coriander powder)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 cups water (depending on the desired consistency)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Kolhapuri Misal Masala (homemade):

• 2 tablespoons dry coconut, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 4-5 dried red chilies
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick

For Serving:

• Sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles)
• Finely chopped onions
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Lemon wedges
• Pav (bread rolls)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Kolhapuri Misal Masala

1. To make the Kolhapuri misal masala, dry roast all the ingredients in a pan (coconut, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, dried red chilies, black peppercorns, fennel seeds, cloves, and cinnamon) until fragrant and slightly golden.
2. Once cooled, grind the roasted ingredients into a fine powder. This masala will give your misal its authentic, spicy, and aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Misal Curry

1. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, heat oil on medium heat.
2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Now, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release oil.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and Kolhapuri misal masala. Stir well to mix all the spices.
6. Add the sprouted moth beans and mix everything thoroughly.
7. Pour water into the pot (2-3 cups, depending on the consistency you prefer for the curry). Add salt to taste.
8. Pressure cook the mixture for 3-4 whistles or cook in the pot until the beans are tender and the curry has thickened slightly. If you prefer a thinner curry, add more water.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Misal

1. In individual serving bowls, add a ladleful of the prepared misal curry.
2. Top it with a generous amount of crispy sev for that crunch.
3. Garnish with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the spiciness.
4. Serve the misal with pav (bread rolls) on the side.

Tips from Chef Sanjeev Kapoor:

• For extra flavor: Add a dollop of yogurt on top before serving, or you can also drizzle some tamarind chutney for a tangy twist.
• Spice level: If you prefer your misal on the milder side, reduce the quantity of red chili powder and Kolhapuri misal masala.
• Serving suggestion: This dish is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or buttermilk.

Conclusion:

Kolhapuri Misal is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and crunchy elements that will transport you to the streets of Kolhapur. By following Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s recipe, you can now recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a hearty meal, Kolhapuri Misal will surely delight your taste buds with its explosive flavors. Enjoy this regional treasure at home and make it a part of your culinary repertoire!