Make the tarri (the floating red gravy) separately from a roasted-coconut-and-onion goda/kolhapuri masala and spoon it over at serving — that layered oily tarri poured on top is what makes it misal and not just a bean curry; stir it all together from the start and you lose the whole character.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook40 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineIndian
Cost$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Boil the sprouted moth beans with turmeric and salt till soft. Temper mustard, cumin and curry leaves, add onion and ginger garlic, then the sprouts with a little masala to make the usal.25 min
For the tarri: roast coconut and onion dark, grind to a paste, then fry with chili powder and goda/kolhapuri masala and lots of hot water; simmer till a red oil floats on top.20 min
Ladle usal into bowls and pour the hot red tarri generously over each.3 min
Top with farsan, raw onion, coriander and a lemon wedge. Serve with buttered pav.2 min
Can you make Misal Pav in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Misal Pav? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Misal Pav ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Misal Pav gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Misal Pav vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.