Seyal Anda, Bhuga Chawal, Dahi and Roasted Papad

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Basmati Rice
• 3 large Onion (thinly and evenly sliced)
• 4 tbsp Vegetable Oil (or ghee for a richer flavor)
• 1 inch piece Cinnamon Stick
• 5 whole Cloves
• 4 pods Green Cardamom (lightly crushed)
• 1 pod Black Cardamom (lightly crushed)
• 1 leaf Bay Leaf
• 1.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 3 cup Water (hot)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. Soak the rinsed rice in ample water for 20-30 minutes. After soaking, drain it completely using a colander and set aside.

2. 2

   Caramelize the Onions (The 'Bhuga' Process): Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, green and black cardamoms, bay leaf) and sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes. The onions will go through stages: translucent, light pink, golden, and finally a deep, rich brown. This slow caramelization is crucial for the dish's signature color and flavor. Be patient and do not let them burn.

3. 3

   Sauté the Rice: Once the onions are deep brown, add the drained rice to the pot. Gently fold the rice with the onions and spices for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to break the delicate grains. This step toasts the rice slightly and coats it in flavor.

4. 4

   Cook the Pulao: Pour in 3 cups of hot water and the remaining salt. Stir gently just once to combine everything. Bring the water to a vigorous boil.

   • For Pot Method: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
   • For Pressure Cooker Method: Secure the lid and cook on high heat for 2 whistles. After 2 whistles, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
5. 5

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

• 8 pieces Urad Dal Papad (Also known as papadam. Use plain, pepper, or cumin flavored as desired.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare for Roasting

   • Ensure your gas stovetop is clean.
   • Turn the burner on to a medium-low flame.
   • Have a pair of long metal tongs and a serving plate ready.
2. 2

   Roast the Papad

   • Using the tongs, hold one papad flat, about 2-3 inches above the flame.
   • Continuously and quickly move the papad over the flame, flipping it every 3-4 seconds to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
   • You will see small blisters forming and the color changing slightly. This process takes about 20-30 seconds per papad.
   • Be vigilant, as it can go from perfectly roasted to burnt in a second.
3. 3

   Check for Doneness and Repeat

   • The papad is done when it is uniformly light brown, covered in small blisters, and completely crisp.
   • Place the roasted papad on the serving plate.
   • Repeat the roasting process for the remaining 7 papads, one at a time.
4. 4

   Serve Immediately

   • Roasted papad is best served immediately while it is warm and at its crispiest.
   • Serve as an accompaniment to a main meal like dal-rice or as a standalone snack.