Karela Besan Sabzi, Bajra Roti and Kachumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cup Bajra Flour (Also known as pearl millet flour)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Warm Water (Use as needed, the amount may vary)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (For serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a wide bowl or parat, combine the 2 cups of bajra flour and 0.5 tsp of salt. Mix well.
   • Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and start gathering the flour to form a shaggy dough.
   • Once the flour comes together, begin kneading. Use the heel of your palm to push and press the dough for 5-7 minutes. This process is crucial for a smooth, crack-free roti.
   • The final dough should be soft, smooth, and pliable, similar to the consistency of chapati dough. It should not be sticky or too stiff.
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes. Do not rest it for too long as it can become dry.
2. 2

   Shape the Rotis

   • After resting, knead the dough again for one minute.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll them into smooth, crack-free balls.
   • Take one ball of dough. Dust your palms with a little dry bajra flour.
   • Gently flatten the ball and start patting it between your palms, rotating it as you go, to form a thin disc of about 4-5 inches in diameter. This is the traditional method.
   • For an easier method, place a dough ball on a piece of parchment paper or a plastic sheet. Flatten it slightly, cover with another sheet, and use a rolling pin to gently roll it into a 4-5 inch circle of about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. 3

   Cook the Rotis

   • Heat a cast-iron or earthen 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 45-60 seconds on the first side, or until you see small bubbles and the color changes slightly.
   • Flip the roti using tongs and cook the other side for about a minute until light brown spots appear.
   • For a soft, puffed roti, you can now place it directly on a low open flame using tongs. It will puff up in seconds. Flip to cook both sides evenly. Alternatively, press the roti gently on the tawa with a folded kitchen towel to help it puff up.
   • Repeat the process for all the remaining dough balls.
4. 4

   Serve

   • Once cooked, remove the roti from the heat and immediately brush it generously with ghee.
   • Serve the hot Bajra Roti with Rajasthani curries like Gatte ki Sabzi, dal, or simply with a dollop of white butter (makhan) and a piece of jaggery (gur).

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.