Prawn Sukka, Jowar Bhakri and Konkani Solkadi

Ingredients

• 2 cup jowar atta
• 1.5 cup hot water (for kneading)
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp ghee (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix together the jowar flour and salt. Gradually pour in the hot water while mixing with a spoon. The water should be hot but manageable to touch. Once the flour comes together, knead it with the heel of your palm for 5-7 minutes until you get a smooth, soft, and pliable dough. It should not be sticky. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Divide the dough into equal portions.

3. 3

   Pat the bhakri: Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Sprinkle some dry jowar flour on a clean, flat surface or a chakla (rolling board). Place the dough ball on the floured surface and gently flatten it with your palm. Using your fingers and palm, start patting the dough, rotating it simultaneously to form an even, thin circle of about 5-6 inches in diameter. Dust with more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

4. 4

   Cook the bhakri: Heat a cast iron tawa or griddle over medium-high heat. It should be hot before you place the bhakri on it. Carefully lift the patted bhakri and place it on the hot tawa. Sprinkle a little water on the top surface and spread it evenly with your fingers. Cook for about 1 minute, until the water evaporates and the top looks dry. Flip the bhakri and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until light brown spots appear. Using tongs, lift the bhakri and place it directly on a medium flame. It will puff up like a balloon. Flip and cook the other side on the direct flame for a few seconds. Avoid burning it. Repeat the process for all the remaining dough balls.

5. 5

   Serve the Jowar Bhakri immediately, smearing a little ghee on top if you like.

Ingredients

• 10 pieces Kokum (Dried)
• 1 cup Fresh Coconut (Tightly packed, freshly grated)
• 3 cup Warm Water (Divided for soaking and blending)
• 2 pieces Green Chilli (Adjust to taste)
• 0.5 inch piece Ginger (Peeled)
• 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (Optional, for a pungent flavor)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Sugar (Optional, to balance the tanginess)
• 1 tsp Coconut Oil (For tempering)
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• 6 pieces Curry Leaves
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Kokum Extract: In a bowl, soak the dried kokum pieces in 1 cup of warm water for 20-30 minutes. Once softened, squeeze the kokum with your hands to release all its essence into the water. Strain this liquid into a large mixing bowl and discard the squeezed kokum solids.

2. 2

   Prepare the Coconut Milk Base: In a blender, combine the freshly grated coconut, green chillies, ginger, and optional garlic cloves. Add 1 cup of warm water.

3. 3

   Blend and Extract Thick Milk: Blend the coconut mixture on high for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth, thick paste. Place a fine-mesh sieve or a muslin cloth over the bowl containing the kokum extract and pour the coconut paste into it. Press down firmly on the pulp to extract all the thick, creamy coconut milk.

4. 4

   Extract Thin Milk: Return the leftover coconut pulp to the blender. Add the remaining 1 cup of warm water and blend again for 1 minute. Strain this thin milk into the same bowl. Discard the final pulp.

5. 5

   Season the Solkadi: Add salt and optional sugar to the coconut-kokum milk. Stir well with a spoon until everything is completely dissolved. You will see the solkadi turn a beautiful, pale pink color.

6. 6

   Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): Heat coconut oil in a small pan (tadka pan) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which takes about 30 seconds. Immediately add the hing and curry leaves, and let them sizzle for another 10-15 seconds until fragrant.