Crab Masala, Rice Bhakri and Sol Kadhi

Ingredients

• 2 cup Rice Flour (finely ground is best)
• 2.5 cup Water
• 0.75 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Oil (optional, for a softer dough)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the 'Ukad' (Dough Starter)

   • In a wide pan, bring 2.5 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the salt and optional oil and give it a quick stir.
2. 2

   Form the Initial Dough

   • Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the 2 cups of rice flour all at once.
   • Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix quickly and vigorously until the flour absorbs all the water and forms a crumbly mass.
   • Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the dough steam for 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for softening the flour.
3. 3

   Knead the Dough

   • Transfer the hot dough mixture to a large plate (parat) or a clean countertop.
   • Once it's cool enough to handle but still very warm, dip your hands in a bowl of cool water to prevent sticking and burning.
   • Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes using the heel of your palm, pressing and folding until it becomes completely smooth, soft, and pliable without any cracks.
4. 4

   Shape the Bhakris

   • Divide the smooth dough into 8 equal-sized portions.
   • Take one portion and roll it between your palms to form a smooth, crack-free ball.
   • Flatten it slightly and dust it generously on both sides with the extra rice flour for dusting.
5. 5

   Pat or Roll the Bhakri

   • Place the dusted ball on a flat surface. Using your fingers and palm, gently pat and rotate the dough to form a thin, even circle about 5-6 inches in diameter.
   • Alternatively, you can use a rolling pin very gently. Keep dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
6. 6

   Cook and Puff the Bhakri

   • Heat a cast-iron tawa or a non-stick griddle over medium-high heat. Carefully lift and place the bhakri on the hot tawa.
   • Cook the first side for about 45-60 seconds, until the top looks slightly dry.
   • Flip the bhakri. Cook the second side for 1 to 1.5 minutes, until light brown spots appear.
   • Flip it one last time. Using a folded clean kitchen towel or a flat spatula, gently press down on the bhakri, especially around the edges, to encourage it to puff up completely.
   • Once puffed and cooked through, remove it from the tawa.
7. 7

   Serve

   • Place the cooked bhakri in a casserole dish lined with a cloth to keep it soft and warm.
   • Repeat the patting and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
   • Serve hot with curry, chutney, or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 10 pieces Kokum (Also known as amsul)
• 1 cup Warm Water (For soaking kokum)
• 1.5 cup Fresh Grated Coconut
• 2 cup Water (For extracting coconut milk)
• 2 pieces Green Chili (Adjust to taste)
• 1 inch Ginger (Roughly chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (Roughly chopped)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil (For tempering)
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 0.5 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• 6 leaves Curry Leaves
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Kokum Extract

   • In a medium bowl, soak the kokum pieces in 1 cup of warm water for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften them and help release their flavor.
   • After soaking, use your hands to squeeze the kokum pieces thoroughly in the water to extract all the tangy juice.
   • Strain this liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl. Discard the squeezed kokum pulp.
2. 2

   Extract Fresh Coconut Milk

   • While the kokum is soaking, add the fresh grated coconut, green chilies, ginger, and garlic to a blender.
   • Pour in 1 cup of water and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth, thick paste.
   • Line a sieve with a muslin cloth and place it over a bowl. Pour the coconut mixture into the cloth and squeeze tightly to extract the thick, first-press coconut milk. Collect this in the bowl.
   • Transfer the leftover coconut pulp back to the blender, add the remaining 1 cup of water, and blend again for 30-40 seconds. Strain this through the same muslin cloth to get the thin, second-press coconut milk.
   • Combine both the thick and thin coconut milk extracts.
3. 3