Methi Koki, Poached Egg and Dry Garlic Chutney

Ingredients

• 4 piece Large Egg (Use the freshest eggs possible for the best shape)
• 6 cup Water (For poaching)
• 1 tbsp White Vinegar (Helps the egg whites set)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (For the poaching water)
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the poaching liquid. Fill a medium saucepan or pot with 3-4 inches of water. Add the white vinegar and 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Look for small, consistent bubbles rising from the bottom; the water should not be at a rolling boil.

2. 2

   Strain the egg. For a perfectly shaped egg, crack one egg into a fine-mesh sieve set over a small bowl. Let the thin, watery part of the egg white drain away for 30-60 seconds. This crucial step removes excess liquid, preventing wispy whites. Gently transfer the strained egg into a small ramekin.

3. 3

   Create a vortex and add the egg. Using a spoon, stir the simmering water to create a gentle whirlpool. Carefully and slowly slide the egg from the ramekin into the center of the vortex. This motion helps the egg white wrap around the yolk for a neat, spherical shape.

4. 4

   Poach the egg. Cook the egg undisturbed, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. For a very runny yolk and set whites, cook for exactly 3 minutes. For a slightly firmer, jammy yolk, cook for 4 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove and drain. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the poached egg out of the water. You can trim any wispy edges with the side of the spoon for a cleaner look. Gently blot the bottom of the spoon on a paper towel to remove excess water before plating.

6. 6

   Serve and repeat. Season the poached egg immediately with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve as desired. Repeat the process with the remaining eggs, ensuring the water returns to a simmer and creating a new vortex for each one.

Ingredients

• 1 cup garlic cloves (peeled)
• 1 cup dry coconut (grated or thinly sliced)
• 12 pcs kashmiri red chilies (stems removed)
• 0.25 cup peanuts (raw, unsalted)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

1. 1

   Roast Ingredients Separately

   • Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and dry roast for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and have light brown spots. Remove and set aside on a large plate.
   • In the same pan, roast the dry coconut for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it turns a light golden brown. Be careful as it can burn quickly. Transfer to the plate.
   • Next, roast the peanuts for 4-5 minutes until they are crunchy and the skins begin to crack. Add them to the plate.
   • Roast the Kashmiri red chilies for about 1 minute until they become crisp, slightly darker, and aromatic. Add to the plate.
   • Finally, add the sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds to the pan. Roast for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they release their aroma and the sesame seeds start to pop. Add to the plate.
2. 2

   Cool Completely

   • Spread all the roasted ingredients on the plate in a single layer. Allow them to cool down to room temperature completely. This step is crucial to prevent the chutney from becoming oily and pasty when ground.
3. 3

   Grind the Chutney

   • Once completely cool, transfer all the roasted ingredients, salt, and optional red chili powder to a grinder jar or food processor.
   • Use the 'pulse' function to grind in short bursts of 2-3 seconds each. Scrape down the sides of the jar between pulses.
   • Continue pulsing until you achieve a coarse, sand-like texture. Avoid over-grinding, which will release oils from the coconut and peanuts, turning it into a paste.
4. 4

   Store

   • Transfer the prepared dry garlic chutney to a clean, dry, and airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. For longer shelf life, especially in humid climates, store it in the refrigerator.