Bengali Luchi with Niramish Torkari

Rest the Dough (30 minutes)

• Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or a lid.
• Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, which makes the luchis easier to roll and helps them puff up perfectly during frying.

Divide and Roll the Luchis (10 minutes)

• After resting, knead the dough again for one minute to smoothen it out.
• Divide the dough into 16 equal-sized small balls. Roll them between your palms to make them smooth and crack-free.
• Apply a drop of oil to your rolling surface and rolling pin. Take one dough ball and roll it into a thin, even circle about 3-4 inches in diameter. Avoid using dry flour for dusting as it will burn in the oil.

Fry the Luchis (15 minutes)

• Heat the oil in a deep kadai or pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is at the perfect temperature.
• Carefully slide one rolled luchi into the hot oil. It will sink and then float up.
• As it floats, gently press the center with the back of a slotted spoon. This encourages it to puff up completely like a balloon.
• Once puffed, flip it over and cook for another 15-20 seconds. Luchis are traditionally pale white or a very light cream color, not golden brown.
• Quickly remove the luchi from the oil and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve Immediately

• Repeat the frying process for all the remaining luchis.
• Luchis are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the kadai. Serve immediately with your favorite curry, such as Aloo Dum, Cholar Dal, or Kosha Mangsho.

Simmer the Curry

• Return the sautéed potatoes and cauliflower to the pan, along with the diced carrots and green peas.
• Gently toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly with the masala.
• Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water. Add the salt and sugar, and stir well to combine.
• Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender but still retain their shape.

Finish and Garnish

• Once the vegetables are cooked through, turn off the heat.
• Sprinkle the garam masala powder and drizzle the ghee over the top.
• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Give it a gentle stir, cover the pan, and let the curry rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.