Mogar Dal, Steamed Basmati Rice and Aloo Bhujia

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Basmati Rice (Use good quality, aged basmati rice for best results)
• 2.25 cup Water (For the absorption cooking method)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Ghee (Optional, for flavor and to prevent sticking)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Soak the Rice (35 minutes)

   • Place the basmati rice in a large bowl. Add cold water and gently swirl the rice with your fingers. Drain the cloudy water. Repeat this process 3-4 times until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
   • Cover the rinsed rice with fresh water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Soaking allows the grains to absorb water, ensuring they cook evenly and elongate beautifully.
   • After 30 minutes, drain the rice completely using a fine-mesh sieve and set aside.
2. 2

   Cook the Rice (15 minutes)

   • In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the drained rice, 2.25 cups of fresh water, salt, and ghee (if using).
   • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, uncovered.
   • As soon as it boils, give it one gentle stir, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the saucepan tightly with the lid.
   • Let the rice simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time to prevent steam from escaping.
3. 3

   Rest and Fluff (10 minutes)

   • Turn off the heat but leave the saucepan on the stove, still covered. Let the rice rest and steam for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for finishing the cooking process and achieving a perfect texture.
   • After resting, remove the lid. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the long, delicate grains.
   • Serve hot as a perfect accompaniment to curries, dals, or grilled dishes.

Ingredients

• 500 g Potatoes (About 3 medium starchy potatoes like Russet)
• 1.5 cup Besan (Also known as gram flour)
• 2 tbsp Rice Flour (Adds extra crispiness)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (For the dough)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to your spice preference)
• 0.25 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• 1 tsp Amchur Powder (Dried mango powder)
• 1 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.5 tsp Garam Masala
• 1.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Potatoes

   • Boil the potatoes in water until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Once cooked, drain the water and peel the potatoes while they are still warm.
   • Grate the warm potatoes using a fine grater or pass them through a potato ricer. This is crucial to ensure there are absolutely no lumps.
   • Spread the grated potato on a plate and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
2. 2

   Make the Bhujia Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, besan, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, hing, amchur powder, chaat masala, garam masala, and salt.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the mixture.
   • Knead everything together to form a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. Do not add any water; the moisture from the potatoes should be sufficient. The dough should not be sticky or stiff.
3. 3

   Set Up for Frying

   • Heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. The oil should be around 175°C (350°F).