Patra ni Machhi, Rotli and Kachumber Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cup Atta (Also known as whole wheat flour)
• 1 cup Lukewarm Water (Adjust as needed)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Oil (Any neutral vegetable oil)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (Melted, for brushing)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl (parat), combine 2 cups of atta and 1/2 tsp of salt.
   • Add 1 tbsp of oil and mix it into the flour with your fingertips.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, and begin to gather the flour to form a dough.
   • Knead for 8-10 minutes, pressing and stretching with the heel of your hand, until you have a soft, smooth, and pliable dough. It should be softer than puri dough but not sticky.
2. 2

   Rest the Dough

   • Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel or a lid.
   • Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, resulting in softer rotlis.
3. 3

   Divide and Roll

   • After resting, knead the dough again for one minute to make it smooth.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
   • Take one ball, flatten it slightly, and dip it in the dry atta for dusting.
   • On a clean, flat surface (patlo/rolling board), roll the ball into a thin, even circle of about 6-7 inches in diameter. Use minimal flour for dusting to avoid making the rotli dry.
4. 4

   Cook the Rotli on the Tawa

   • Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium-high heat. It should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly.
   • Carefully place the rolled rotli on the hot tawa. Cook for about 15-20 seconds, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface.
   • Using tongs, flip the rotli. Cook the other side for about 30-40 seconds, until light brown spots appear.
5. 5

   Puff the Rotli on Direct Flame

   • Using tongs, carefully lift the rotli off the tawa and place it directly on a high gas flame.
   • The rotli will puff up like a balloon within seconds.
   • Immediately flip it to cook the other side on the flame for just 2-3 seconds.
   • Remove from the flame.
6. 6

   Finish and Serve

   • Place the hot, puffed rotli in a casserole or on a plate and immediately brush the top with melted ghee.
   • Repeat the rolling and cooking process for the remaining dough balls.
   • Serve hot with your favorite dal, sabzi, or curry.

Ingredients

• 200 g Red Onion (about 2 medium, finely chopped)
• 240 g Tomato (about 2 medium, deseeded and finely chopped)
• 300 g Cucumber (about 1 large, peeled and finely chopped)
• 1 pc Green Chili (optional, finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color and mild heat)
• 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala
• 0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (bhuna jeera powder)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Vegetables (8 minutes)

   • Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
   • Peel the cucumber and finely chop it. Deseed the tomatoes and finely chop them.
   • Finely chop the red onion. If using, finely chop the green chili.
   • Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
2. 2

   Combine and Season (1 minute)

   • Add the roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt to the bowl with the vegetables.
   • Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the mixture.
3. 3

   Toss and Serve (1 minute)

   • Add the freshly chopped coriander leaves.
   • Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with spices.
   • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and crunch. Do not let it sit for long after adding salt.