Muji Chatin, Paratha and Noon Chai

Ingredients

• 2 cup Atta
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.25 cup Ghee (melted, for layering and frying)
• 1 cup Water (lukewarm, adjust as needed)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of atta and 1 tsp of salt. Mix well.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water while mixing with your fingers. Start with 3/4 cup and add more tablespoon by tablespoon as needed.
   • Knead for 8-10 minutes to form a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. It should not be sticky. The ideal consistency is soft to the touch, similar to an earlobe.
   • Add 1 tsp of ghee and knead for another minute to make the dough smooth.
2. 2

   Rest the Dough

   • Cover the dough with a damp cloth or a lid and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making the parathas softer and easier to roll.
3. 3

   Divide and Shape

   • After resting, knead the dough gently for 30 seconds.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
4. 4

   Create the Layers (Triangle Fold)

   • Take one dough ball and flatten it slightly. Dust it with dry atta.
   • Roll it into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
   • Spread about 1/4 tsp of melted ghee evenly over the surface.
   • Fold the circle in half to create a semi-circle. Apply a little more ghee on the top surface of the semi-circle.
   • Fold it in half again to form a triangle.
   • Gently press the triangle and dust it with dry atta.
5. 5

   Roll the Paratha

   • Place the layered triangle on a rolling board. Roll it out gently and evenly into a larger triangle, about 6-7 inches in length on each side. Don't press too hard, as this can cause the layers to merge.
6. 6

   Cook the Paratha

   • Heat a tawa (flat griddle) over medium-high heat. The tawa should be hot but not smoking.
   • Carefully place the rolled paratha on the hot tawa. Cook for about 30-40 seconds, or until you see small bubbles appear on the surface.
   • Flip the paratha. Cook the other side for about 1 minute, until light golden-brown spots appear.
   • Spread about 1/2 tsp of ghee on the top surface and flip it again.
   • Gently press the paratha with a flat spatula, especially around the edges, to encourage it to puff up. Cook for 30-40 seconds until this side is golden brown and crisp.
   • Apply ghee to the other side, flip, and cook for another 20-30 seconds.
   • Remove from the tawa and repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.
7. 7

   Serve

   • Serve the hot, flaky parathas immediately with your favorite curry, dal, yogurt, or pickle.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Kashmiri Green Tea Leaves
• 4 cup Water (for brewing)
• 0.25 tsp Baking Soda (a small pinch)
• 4 pods Green Cardamom (lightly crushed)
• 1 piece Star Anise
• 1 cup Cold Water (for shocking the tea)
• 2 cup Milk (full-fat recommended)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Pistachios (slivered, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Almonds (slivered, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Brew the Tea Concentrate (Kehwa)

   • In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of water, Kashmiri green tea leaves, baking soda, crushed green cardamom, and star anise.
   • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid reduces by half. The concentrate will develop a deep, reddish-brown color.
2. 2

   Shock and Aerate the Tea

   • Pour 1 cup of cold water into the simmering concentrate. This temperature shock is crucial for activating the chemical reaction that creates the pink color.
   • Bring the mixture back to a boil over medium heat.
   • Using a large ladle, begin to aerate the tea. Scoop the liquid and pour it back into the pot from a height of about 10-12 inches. Repeat this process vigorously for 4-5 minutes. You will see the color transform from reddish-brown to a clearer, pinkish hue.
3. 3

   Add Milk and Season

   • Strain the tea concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot to remove the tea leaves and whole spices.
   • Place the pot with the strained concentrate on the stove over medium-low heat.