Monji Haak, Steamed Basmati Rice and Dahi

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

• 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.