Aloo Shimla Mirch Sabzi, Phulka and Lehsun Chutney

Ingredients

• 2 cup Atta (Also known as whole wheat flour)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Lukewarm Water (Adjust as needed to form a soft, pliable dough)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (For brushing on top, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of atta and salt.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, mixing with your fingers until the flour comes together to form a dough.
   • Knead the dough on a clean, flat surface for 8-10 minutes, pressing and stretching it with the heel of your hand. The final dough should be soft, smooth, and elastic, not sticky.
2. 2

   Rest the Dough

   • Lightly grease the dough with a few drops of oil or ghee to prevent it from drying out.
   • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or a lid and let the dough rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten, which results in softer phulkas.
3. 3

   Divide and Roll

   • After resting, knead the dough again for one minute.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
   • Take one ball, flatten it between your palms, and dip it into the dry atta for dusting.
   • Place it on a rolling board (chakla) and roll it out evenly into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Use minimal dry flour for dusting to avoid making the phulka hard.
4. 4

   Cook on the Tawa (Griddle)

   • Heat a tawa over medium-high heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a pinch of dry flour; it should turn brown in a few seconds.
   • Place the rolled phulka on the hot tawa. Cook for about 15-20 seconds until you see small bubbles appear on the surface.
   • Flip the phulka using tongs and cook the other side for 30-40 seconds until light brown spots appear.
5. 5

   Puff on Open Flame

   • Using tongs, carefully lift the phulka off the tawa and place it directly on a high flame.
   • Within seconds, the phulka will puff up into a ball due to the trapped steam.
   • Immediately flip it to cook the other side on the flame for just a second or two. Be careful not to burn it.
6. 6

   Finish and Serve

   • Remove the puffed phulka from the flame. If desired, brush the top with a little ghee.
   • Place the finished phulka in a casserole or a container lined with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them soft and warm.
   • Repeat the rolling, cooking, and puffing process for the remaining dough balls. Serve hot with your favorite dal or curry.

Ingredients

• 15 Kashmiri Red Chilies (For vibrant color and mild heat)
• 5 Guntur Red Chilies (For heat, adjust quantity to your preference)
• 1 cup Garlic Cloves (Peeled)
• 3 tbsp Mustard Oil (For authentic flavor and preservation)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 0.25 cup Water (As needed for grinding)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Chilies

   • Remove the stems from both Kashmiri and Guntur red chilies.
   • Place them in a medium bowl and cover completely with hot water.
   • Let the chilies soak for at least 30 minutes to soften. This makes them easier to grind into a smooth paste.
2. 2

   Grind the Chutney Paste

   • Drain the soaked chilies, reserving the soaking water.
   • In a grinder or blender jar, combine the soaked chilies, peeled garlic cloves, and cumin seeds.
   • Add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved chili water and grind into a thick, smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the jar as needed and add more water, one tablespoon at a time, only if necessary to facilitate grinding.
3. 3

   Cook the Chutney

   • Heat the mustard oil in a small, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke. This process tempers the oil and reduces its pungency.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the oil cool for 30 seconds. Carefully add the ground garlic-chili paste to the pan. It will splutter, so stand back.
   • Stirring continuously, cook the paste on low heat for 7-10 minutes. This step is crucial to cook the raw garlic and enhance the flavor.
   • Continue cooking until the paste darkens to a deep red color and you see the oil starting to separate from the sides of the mixture.
4. 4

   Finish and Store

   • Turn off the heat. Stir in the salt and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
   • Allow the chutney to cool down completely to room temperature.
   • Once cooled, transfer the Lehsun Chutney to a clean, dry, and sterilized airtight glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.