Laal Maas, Missi Roti and Onion Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup Besan
• 1 cup Atta (plus more for dusting)
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 2 pcs Green Chili (finely chopped)
• 1 inch Ginger (finely grated)
• 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• 1 tsp Ajwain (carom seeds)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.75 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (crushed between palms)
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp Ghee (for the dough)
• 0.75 cup Water (warm, for kneading)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the besan, atta, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ajwain, and crushed kasuri methi. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients.
   • Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, grated ginger, and coriander leaves. Mix well to distribute them evenly throughout the flour.
   • Add 1 tbsp of ghee. Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step, known as 'moyan', helps make the rotis crisp.
   • Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, and knead to form a firm and smooth dough. The dough should be stiffer than chapati dough, as the onions will release moisture upon resting.
   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flours to hydrate and the flavors to meld.
2. 2

   Shape the Rotis

   • After resting, knead the dough for another minute until smooth.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
   • Take one ball, flatten it between your palms, and dredge it in dry atta (whole wheat flour).
   • Place it on a rolling board and roll it out into a circle of about 5-6 inches in diameter. It should be slightly thicker than a regular chapati.

Ingredients

• 2 medium Red Onion (Thinly sliced into rings)
• 1 cup Ice Cubes (For soaking the onions)
• 4 cups Cold Water (For soaking the onions)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 0.5 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (For color and mild heat)
• 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.25 tsp Black Salt (Also known as Kala Namak)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Finely chopped)
• 1 piece Green Chili (Optional, finely chopped for extra heat)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Onions

   • Peel the red onions and slice them into thin, uniform rings. A mandoline slicer works best for this.
   • Gently separate the rings with your fingers and place them in a large bowl.
2. 2

   Soak for Crispness

   • Add the ice cubes and cold water to the bowl, ensuring the onion rings are fully submerged.
   • Let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This crucial step makes the onions crisp and mellows their sharp flavor.
3. 3

   Drain and Dry

   • After soaking, drain the onions completely using a colander.
   • Gently pat the onion rings dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to preventing a soggy salad.
4. 4

   Season and Toss

   • Transfer the dry onion rings to a clean mixing bowl.
   • Sprinkle with lemon juice, Kashmiri red chili powder, chaat masala, black salt, and regular salt.