Paratha, Dahi and Aam ka Achar

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.

Ingredients

• 1 kg raw mangoes (firm, green, and sour variety like 'Ramkela')
• 2 cup mustard oil
• 0.5 cup salt (use non-iodized salt for best results)
• 4 tbsp red chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tbsp turmeric powder
• 4 tbsp saunf (coarsely ground)
• 2 tbsp methi dana (coarsely ground)
• 2 tbsp kalonji
• 1 tsp hing

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the mangoes: Wash the raw mangoes thoroughly and wipe them completely dry with a clean cloth. There should be no moisture left. Cut the mangoes into 1-inch pieces, discarding the inner seed but keeping the hard shell if you like. In a large, dry bowl, mix the mango pieces with 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder. Cover the bowl with a lid or cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours to release water.

2. 2

   Dry the mango pieces: After 24 hours, drain all the water released by the mangoes; do not rinse them. Spread the mango pieces on a clean cotton cloth or a large tray. Sun-dry for 3-4 hours, or dry under a ceiling fan for 7-8 hours, until the excess moisture has evaporated and the pieces look shrunken and dry.

3. 3

   Prepare the spices and oil: While the mangoes are drying, lightly dry roast the fennel and fenugreek seeds in a pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely. Grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder. Heat the mustard oil in a pan until it reaches its smoking point (light fumes will rise). Turn off the heat and let the oil cool completely to room temperature.

4. 4

   Mix the pickle: In a large, completely dry mixing bowl, combine the dried mango pieces, the coarsely ground spice mix, nigella seeds, remaining salt, red chili powder, remaining turmeric powder, and asafoetida. Mix well to coat the mango pieces evenly. Pour the cooled mustard oil over the mixture and stir with a dry spoon until every piece is well-coated.

5. 5

   Sun and mature the pickle: Transfer the pickle into a sterilized, dry glass or ceramic jar. Cover the jar's mouth with a clean muslin cloth, securing it with a rubber band. Place the jar in direct sunlight for 6-7 days, shaking it gently daily. Afterwards, replace the cloth with an airtight lid and let the pickle mature for another 1-2 weeks in a cool, dry place before eating.