The one thing you have to know about Indian cuisine is that every region has its own version of a bread – one that is not just a side but a crucial element tying a dish together or completing a mealtime. In the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, the bread is called tchot. And one of the most famous (and delicious) Kashmiri tchot is Girda - a crispy bread with chewy inside, best enjoyed with a generous spread of jam and hot tea in the morning or with evening kahwa.
Mix sugar and lukewarm water in a bowl. Then, add yeast and mix it well. Set it aside for 10 minutes, till the surface becomes frothy and bubbles are formed. This means the yeast is activated.
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Make the dough
Once the yeast is activated, make the dough. In a large bowl, add the yeast, flour, ghee, and salt. Mix well. Then, gradually add water and mix the dough. Knead for 10-12 minutes, till the dough transforms from a sticky to a smooth mix. Grease the dough and bowl with ghee. Now, cover the bowl and set it aside for two hours.
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Divide the dough
Once the dough rises to double its size, knead it again for 2-3 minutes. Then divide the dough into equal portions. Also, preheat the oven to 230 °C.
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Shape the breads
Roll each dough portion into a smooth ball. Flatten gently to form thick discs. Using your fingers, make light indentations in a criss-cross or lined pattern—this gives Girda its signature look. Brush a little ghee on top and sprinkle poppy seeds evenly.
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Bake
Place the shaped dough on a lined baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven at 230°C for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops turn golden with lightly crisp edges.
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Rest and serve
Remove from the oven and allow the breads to rest for 1–2 minutes. Brush with a little more ghee if you like a softer crust. Serve warm with noon chai, curries, or kebabs.