Chicken Pulao, Boondi Raita and Kachumber Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup Plain Yogurt (Use full-fat and well-chilled)
• 0.5 cup Boondi (Plain or salted variety)
• 0.25 cup Water (Chilled, or as needed for consistency)
• 0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
• 0.25 tsp Kala Namak (Also known as black salt)
• 0.25 tsp Red Chili Powder (Optional, adjust to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Sugar (Optional, to balance the tang)
• 1 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Boondi

   • Place the boondi in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for 1-2 minutes until they are just soft.
   • Carefully drain the water and gently squeeze the boondi between your palms to remove excess water. Set aside.
2. 2

   Prepare the Spiced Yogurt

   • In a medium bowl, add the chilled plain yogurt and whisk vigorously until it is completely smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually whisk in the chilled water until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Add the roasted cumin powder, kala namak, red chili powder, salt, and optional sugar. Mix until all the spices are well incorporated.
3. 3

   Combine and Serve

   • Just before serving, add the soaked and squeezed boondi to the spiced yogurt.
   • Gently fold the boondi into the yogurt mixture.
   • Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve immediately for the best texture.

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.