Sai Bhaji, Phulka and Dahi

Ingredients

• 2 cup Atta (Also known as whole wheat flour)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Lukewarm Water (Adjust as needed to form a soft, pliable dough)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (For brushing on top, optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of atta and salt.
   • Gradually add lukewarm water, a little at a time, mixing with your fingers until the flour comes together to form a dough.
   • Knead the dough on a clean, flat surface for 8-10 minutes, pressing and stretching it with the heel of your hand. The final dough should be soft, smooth, and elastic, not sticky.
2. 2

   Rest the Dough

   • Lightly grease the dough with a few drops of oil or ghee to prevent it from drying out.
   • Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or a lid and let the dough rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for relaxing the gluten, which results in softer phulkas.
3. 3

   Divide and Roll

   • After resting, knead the dough again for one minute.
   • Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls.
   • Take one ball, flatten it between your palms, and dip it into the dry atta for dusting.
   • Place it on a rolling board (chakla) and roll it out evenly into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Use minimal dry flour for dusting to avoid making the phulka hard.
4. 4

   Cook on the Tawa (Griddle)

   • Heat a tawa over medium-high heat. To check if it's ready, sprinkle a pinch of dry flour; it should turn brown in a few seconds.
   • Place the rolled phulka on the hot tawa. Cook for about 15-20 seconds until you see small bubbles appear on the surface.
   • Flip the phulka using tongs and cook the other side for 30-40 seconds until light brown spots appear.
5. 5

   Puff on Open Flame

   • Using tongs, carefully lift the phulka off the tawa and place it directly on a high flame.
   • Within seconds, the phulka will puff up into a ball due to the trapped steam.
   • Immediately flip it to cook the other side on the flame for just a second or two. Be careful not to burn it.
6. 6

   Finish and Serve

   • Remove the puffed phulka from the flame. If desired, brush the top with a little ghee.
   • Place the finished phulka in a casserole or a container lined with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them soft and warm.
   • Repeat the rolling, cooking, and puffing process for the remaining dough balls. Serve hot with your favorite dal or curry.

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.