Mooli Paratha, Coriander Mint Chutney and Dahi

Ingredients

• 2 cup Coriander Leaves (Packed, with tender stems)
• 1 cup Mint Leaves (Packed, stems discarded)
• 3 whole Green Chilies (Adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 inch Ginger (Peeled and roughly chopped)
• 3 clove Garlic (Peeled)
• 2 tbsp Roasted Chana Dal (Also known as Dalia or Bhuna Chana)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.5 tsp Black Salt (Also known as Kala Namak)
• 0.5 tsp Sugar (Optional, helps balance the tanginess)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 3 whole Ice Cubes (Or use 3-4 tbsp of ice-cold water)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Herbs (3 minutes)

   • Thoroughly wash the coriander and mint leaves under cold running water to remove any grit or dirt.
   • Pluck the mint leaves from their stems; discard the thicker stems as they can be bitter.
   • For the coriander, use both the leaves and the tender upper stems, which are packed with flavor. Roughly chop the bunch.
2. 2

   Combine Ingredients in Blender (2 minutes)

   • Place the washed coriander and mint leaves into a high-speed blender jar.
   • Add the green chilies (broken in half), chopped ginger, garlic cloves, roasted chana dal, lemon juice, chaat masala, black salt, sugar (if using), and salt.
3. 3

   Blend to a Smooth Paste (2 minutes)

   • Add the ice cubes or 3 tablespoons of ice-cold water. Using ice is highly recommended as it prevents the herbs from oxidizing and helps maintain a vibrant green color.
   • Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the jar as needed, until you achieve a completely smooth, uniform paste.
   • Avoid over-blending, as the heat from the motor can darken the chutney. If the mixture is too thick, add one more tablespoon of cold water and pulse briefly to combine.

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.