Pork Chile Verde, Flour Tortillas and Steamed Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 2.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (About 300g)
• 1.5 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.33 cup Lard (Chilled. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable shortening.)
• 0.75 cup Warm Water (Approximately 110°F / 43°C)

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine Dry Ingredients (2 minutes)

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
2. 2

   Cut in the Fat (3 minutes)

   • Add the chilled lard or shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
3. 3

   Form and Knead the Dough (5 minutes)

   • Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the warm water. Mix with a fork or your hand until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. Avoid over-kneading.
4. 4

   Rest the Dough (30 minutes)

   • Form the dough into a ball, place it back in the bowl, and cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
   • Let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step relaxes the gluten, making the tortillas tender and easy to roll.
5. 5

   Divide and Roll (10 minutes)

   • After resting, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 45g each) and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
   • Keep the dough balls covered with the towel to prevent them from drying out.
   • On a lightly floured surface, take one ball, flatten it with your palm, and use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin, 8-inch (20 cm) circle. Rotate the dough as you roll to maintain a circular shape.
   • Stack rolled tortillas with a small piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
6. 6

   Cook the Tortillas (10 minutes)

   • Heat a dry cast-iron skillet, comal, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it is very hot (a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly).
   • Carefully place one tortilla onto the hot surface. Cook for about 30-45 seconds, until large bubbles begin to form.
   • Flip the tortilla and cook for another 20-30 seconds on the other side. It should have light golden-brown spots and puff up in places. Do not overcook, or it will become stiff.
7. 7

   Keep Warm and Serve

   • As each tortilla is cooked, immediately transfer it to a tortilla warmer or a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
   • Stacking them traps the steam, which is essential for keeping them soft and pliable. Serve warm.

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.