Chaha Misal

Introduction to Chaha Misal

Chaha Misal is a popular breakfast and snack dish originating from the western part of India, particularly Maharashtra. This flavorful dish combines the spiciness of Misal with the soothing and aromatic taste of Chaha, which is the Marathi word for tea. Chaha Misal is a brilliant example of how spicy and hot ingredients can harmonize with soothing flavors, making it a perfect choice for any time of the day.

Ingredients

• Misal (1 cup)
• Chaha (Tea) (2 cups)
• Farsan (1 cup)
• Pav (4 pieces)
• Onions, finely chopped (1 large)
• Tomatoes, finely chopped (2 medium)
• Coriander leaves, chopped (a handful)
• Lemon, for garnishing (1)
• Ghee or Oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt to taste
• Red Chili Powder (1 teaspoon)
• Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon)

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Misal

1. Start by heating Ghee or Oil in a pan.
2. Add finely chopped Onions and sauté until they are golden brown.
3. Add Tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
4. Mix in Turmeric and Red Chili Powder, cook for an additional minute.
5. Add pre-cooked Misal to this mixture, and stir well. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Season with Salt as per your taste, and keep aside.

Brewing Chaha

1. In a separate vessel, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of Chaha leaves or powder.
3. Boil for about 3-4 minutes, then strain the tea into cups.

Assembling Chaha Misal

• Place a serving of cooked Misal in a bowl.
• Top with generous amount of Farsan for that delightful crunch.
• Garnish with freshly chopped Coriander leaves and squeeze a bit of Lemon juice for a tangy burst.
• Serve with buttered Pav on the side.
• Pair it with a hot cup of Chaha to balance the spicy flavors.

How to Enjoy Chaha Misal

Chaha Misal is ideally enjoyed by soaking small portions of the Pav in the spicy Misal topped with Farsan, and taking a refreshing sip of Chaha in between bites. This combination is not only a burst of flavors but also a delightful texture play. The soft Pav, crunchy Farsan, and spicy Misal create a mouthfeel that is bound to leave you craving for more.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure to prep your Misal and Farsan in advance to save time.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by modifying the amount of Red Chili Powder.
• For a richer taste, replace Oil with Ghee in the preparation.

Now that you have learned how to make Chaha Misal, enjoy this vibrant and spicy dish with your family and friends, bringing a taste of Maharashtra to your home.