Kheema Patra, Rotli and Dahi

Ingredients

• 2 cup Atta (Also known as whole wheat flour)
• 1 cup Lukewarm Water (Adjust as needed)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Oil (Any neutral vegetable oil)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (Melted, for brushing)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine 2 cups of atta and 1/2 tsp of salt.
   • Add 1 tbsp of oil and mix it into the flour with your fingertips.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, and begin to gather the flour to form a dough.
   • Knead for 8-10 minutes, pressing and stretching with the heel of your hand, until you have a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. It should be softer than puri dough but not sticky.
2. 2

   Rest the Dough

   • Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or a lid.
   • Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer rotlis.
3. 3

   Divide and Roll

   • After resting, knead the dough again for one minute to make it smooth.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
   • Take one ball, flatten it slightly, and dip it in the dry atta for dusting.
   • On a clean, flat surface (patlo/rolling board), roll the ball into a thin, even circle of about 6-7 inches in diameter. Use minimal flour for dusting to avoid making the rotli dry.
4. 4

   Cook the Rotli on the Tawa

   • Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat. It should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly.
   • Carefully place the rolled rotli on the hot tawa. Cook for about 15-20 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
   • Using tongs, flip the rotli. Cook the other side for about 30-40 seconds, until light brown spots appear.
5. 5

   Puff the Rotli on Direct Flame

   • Using tongs, carefully lift the rotli off the tawa and place it directly on a high gas flame.
   • The rotli will puff up like a balloon within seconds.
   • Immediately flip it to cook the other side on the flame for just 2-3 seconds.
   • Remove from the flame.
6. 6

   Finish and Serve

   • Place the hot, puffed rotli in a casserole or on a plate and immediately brush the top with melted ghee.
   • Repeat the rolling and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
   • Serve hot with your favorite dal, sabzi, or curry.

Ingredients

• 1 L Full-Fat Milk (Whole milk provides the creamiest texture. Avoid UHT milk as it may not set well.)
• 2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (Use a good quality, live culture yogurt as a starter. Ensure it's at room temperature.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil and Thicken Milk

   • Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming and to stop it from scorching at the bottom. This step helps thicken the milk, resulting in creamier dahi.
2. 2

   Cool Milk to the Right Temperature

   • Remove the pan from the heat and allow the milk to cool down until it is lukewarm. The ideal temperature is between 40-45°C (105-115°F).
   • To test without a thermometer, dip a clean finger into the milk. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot. You should be able to hold your finger in for about 10 seconds.
3. 3

   Inoculate with Starter

   • In a small bowl, whisk the starter yogurt (dahi) until it is smooth and lump-free.
   • Add a few tablespoons of the warm milk to the whisked starter and mix well. This tempers the starter and ensures it mixes evenly without curdling.
   • Pour this tempered starter mixture into the pot with the rest of the lukewarm milk and stir gently 2-3 times to combine everything.
4. 4

   Set the Dahi to Ferment

   • Transfer the milk mixture into a setting container, such as a clay pot (matka), glass bowl, or steel pot.
   • Cover the container with a lid and place it in a warm, draft-free place for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. Do not disturb it during this time.
   • In colder climates, you can place the container in a preheated (and turned off) oven, a microwave with the light on, or wrap it in a thick towel to maintain warmth.
5. 5

   Chill and Serve

   • After 6-8 hours, check if the dahi is set. It should be firm and not jiggle like a liquid when gently tilted.
   • Once set, transfer the container to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours. Chilling stops the fermentation process (preventing it from becoming too sour) and helps it thicken further.
   • Serve chilled as a side, use it to make raita, or enjoy it plain.