Bathua ka Saag, Roti and Lehsun Chutney

Ingredients

• 2 cup atta (Use a fine-milled whole wheat flour for best results.)
• 1 cup lukewarm water (Adjust quantity as needed; dough should be soft and pliable.)
• 1 tsp ghee (For the dough, plus extra for brushing (optional).)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the atta and 1 tsp of ghee.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, mixing with your fingers to form a shaggy dough.
   • Knead the dough on a clean surface for 8-10 minutes, using the heel of your palm to push and fold until it is smooth, soft, and pliable, but not sticky.
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten and ensuring soft rotis.
2. 2

   Divide and roll the rotis

   • After resting, knead the dough for another minute.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll each into a smooth, crack-free ball.
   • Take one dough ball, flatten it, and dip it in dry atta for dusting.
   • On a rolling board, use a rolling pin to roll it into an even circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. Ensure the edges are as thin as the center for proper puffing.
3. 3

   Cook the roti

   • Heat a flat griddle (tawa) over medium-high heat. It's ready when a pinch of flour sprinkled on it sizzles and turns brown in seconds.
   • Place the rolled roti on the hot tawa. Cook for about 20-30 seconds, until you see small bubbles appear on the surface.
   • Using tongs, flip the roti. Cook the second side for about 45-60 seconds, until light brown spots appear.
4. 4

   Puff the roti

   • Using tongs, carefully remove the roti from the tawa and place it directly over a medium-high open flame. It should puff up into a ball almost instantly. Flip it once and remove immediately to avoid burning.
   • Alternatively, if you don't have a gas stove, flip the roti back onto the tawa and gently press the edges with a folded kitchen towel. This traps steam and helps the roti puff up.
   • Once puffed, immediately remove the roti from the heat.
5. 5

   Finish and serve

   • Brush one side with ghee, if desired, for extra flavor and softness.
   • Place the finished roti in a casserole dish or a container lined with a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm.
   • Repeat the process for all remaining dough balls. Serve hot with your favorite dal, curry, or sabzi.

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.