Kala Chana Shaak, Jowar Bhakri and Kachumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cup jowar atta
• 1.5 cup hot water (for kneading)
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp ghee (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix together the jowar flour and salt. Gradually pour in the hot water while mixing with a spoon. The water should be hot but manageable to touch. Once the flour comes together, knead it with the heel of your palm for 5-7 minutes until you get a smooth, soft, and pliable dough. It should not be sticky. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Divide the dough into equal portions.

3. 3

   Pat the bhakri: Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Sprinkle some dry jowar flour on a clean, flat surface or a chakla (rolling board). Place the dough ball on the floured surface and gently flatten it with your palm. Using your fingers and palm, start patting the dough, rotating it simultaneously to form an even, thin circle of about 5-6 inches in diameter. Dust with more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

4. 4

   Cook the bhakri: Heat a cast iron tawa or griddle over medium-high heat. It should be hot before you place the bhakri on it. Carefully lift the patted bhakri and place it on the hot tawa. Sprinkle a little water on the top surface and spread it evenly with your fingers. Cook for about 1 minute, until the water evaporates and the top looks dry. Flip the bhakri and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until light brown spots appear. Using tongs, lift the bhakri and place it directly on a medium flame. It will puff up like a balloon. Flip and cook the other side on the direct flame for a few seconds. Avoid burning it. Repeat the process for all the remaining dough balls.

5. 5

   Serve the Jowar Bhakri immediately, smearing a little ghee on top if you like.

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.