Chicken Keema Masala, Makki ki Roti and Kachumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cup Maize Flour (Also known as Makki ka Atta)
• 1 tsp Carom Seeds (Also known as Ajwain)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Warm Water (Use as needed for kneading)
• 3 tbsp Ghee (1 tbsp for the dough and 2 tbsp for cooking)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine the maize flour, carom seeds, and salt. Mix well.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the flour and rub it in with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
   • Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and start gathering the flour to form a dough.
   • Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes using the heel of your palm, pushing and folding. The dough should be smooth, soft, and pliable with no cracks. Do not make the dough too soft or too stiff.
2. 2

   Divide and Shape

   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions.
   • Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, crack-free ball. Keep the dough balls covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
3. 3

   Roll the Roti

   • Take one dough ball. If the dough feels dry, knead it again for 30 seconds with a few drops of water.
   • Place the ball on a rolling board or between two sheets of parchment paper/plastic.
   • Gently flatten it with your fingers and then use a rolling pin to roll it into a 5-6 inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Alternatively, use the traditional method of patting the dough between your moist palms to flatten it into a circle.
   • Don't worry about perfect edges; the rustic, slightly cracked edges are characteristic of this roti.
4. 4

   Cook the Roti

   • Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat. The tawa should be hot before you place the roti on it.
   • Carefully lift the rolled roti and place it on the hot tawa.
   • Cook for about 1-1.5 minutes, or until the top surface changes color slightly and small bubbles appear.
   • Flip the roti using a spatula. Apply about 1/4 teaspoon of ghee on the semi-cooked side.
   • Cook the second side for another 1-1.5 minutes until golden-brown spots appear.
   • Flip again and apply ghee to the other side. Gently press the roti with the spatula to ensure it cooks evenly from the inside.
   • For a puffed roti, you can carefully place it on a wire rack over a direct flame for a few seconds until it puffs up. This is optional.
5. 5

   Serve

   • Remove the roti from the tawa and place it in a casserole or on a plate.
   • Repeat the rolling and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
   • Serve the Makki ki Roti immediately, topped with a generous dollop of white butter (makhan) or more ghee, alongside Sarson ka Saag and jaggery.

Ingredients

• 200 g Red Onion (about 2 medium, finely chopped)
• 240 g Tomato (about 2 medium, deseeded and finely chopped)
• 300 g Cucumber (about 1 large, peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 pc Green Chili (optional, finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color and mild heat)
• 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (bhuna jeera powder)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Vegetables (8 minutes)

   • Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
   • Peel the cucumber and finely chop it. Deseed the tomatoes and finely chop them.
   • Finely chop the red onion. If using, finely chop the green chili.
   • Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
2. 2

   Combine and Season (1 minute)

   • Add the roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt to the bowl with the vegetables.
   • Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture.
3. 3

   Toss and Serve (1 minute)

   • Add the freshly chopped coriander leaves.
   • Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with spices.
   • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and crunch. Do not let it sit for long after adding salt.