Bajre ki Roti, Lehsun Chutney and Ghee

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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Unsalted Butter (High-quality, grass-fed butter will yield the most flavorful and nutritious ghee.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt the Butter

   • Cut the unsalted butter into 1-inch cubes to ensure even melting.
   • Place the butter cubes in a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized saucepan or pot.
   • Heat the pot over medium-low heat. Allow the butter to melt completely without stirring, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. 2

   Simmer and Clarify

   • Once melted, increase the heat slightly to a medium-low simmer. The butter will go through several stages.
   • First, it will come to a boil and a layer of white foam (milk solids) will form on top. Let it simmer gently.
   • After 10-15 minutes, the foam will start to thin, the bubbling will become finer, and the liquid will turn more transparent.
   • Continue simmering. The milk solids will begin to sink to the bottom and turn a golden-brown color. The bubbling will become very quiet, and the liquid will be clear and golden. This process takes about 10 more minutes.
   • The key indicator that the ghee is ready is a distinct nutty, popcorn-like aroma. Be very watchful at this stage to prevent the solids from burning.
3. 3

   Strain the Ghee

   • Immediately remove the pot from the heat once the milk solids are golden brown and the aroma is nutty.
   • Let the ghee cool in the pot for about 5-10 minutes to reduce the risk of burns.
   • Line a fine-mesh sieve with 2-3 layers of cheesecloth and place it over a clean, completely dry, heatproof glass jar.
   • Carefully and slowly pour the hot ghee through the cheesecloth-lined sieve, leaving the browned milk solids behind in the pot.
4. 4

   Cool and Store

   • Allow the strained ghee to cool completely to room temperature in the jar, uncovered. As it cools, it will solidify and become opaque.
   • Once fully cooled and solidified, seal the jar with an airtight lid.
   • Store the ghee in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to a year.