Chole Kulcha is a traditional North Indian street food delicacy that consists of two primary components: Chole (spiced chickpeas) and Kulcha (soft-leavened bread). The dish originates from the vibrant streets of Delhi, India, and has since become a cherished part of Indian cuisine, known for its incredible flavors and unique preparation methods.

In India, chole kulcha is a common street snack. All age groups like the delicious chole curry and fluffy, soft plain kulcha combo. Everyone adores the traditional Punjabi sin meal known as chole kulcha.

The spicy, flavorful, tangy, and delicious Chhole Kulche is a highly well-liked street meal in North India. Chole kulcha is one of the best Indian breakfast and snack alternatives available. Making a dough composed of curd, white flour, salt, and a dash of baking soda and letting it sit overnight is the first step in making kulcha.

Roll out the chapatis, fill them with a spoonful of finely chopped onion, and seal them. Then, fry the thin chapatis on a hot tawa. Soak the chana overnight to prepare the Chhole.

Chole kulcha is a dish that we Indians simply cannot resist. It is a delectable combination of acidic and spicy chole and all-purpose flour bread coated in butter.

This dish’s mouthwatering flavor is provided by the white peas used in its preparation, along with salt, red chili powder, and chaat masala.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHOLE KULCHA

For instant plain kulcha

• 250gm maida
• ½ cup curd
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp milk powder
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 packet eno
• water as required

Pressure Cooking Chickpeas:

• 1 cup chana/chickpea (soaked overnight)
• a pinch or two of baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cup water

Whole Garam Masala

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large tej patta (Indian bay leaf)
• 2-inch cinnamon
• 2 to 3 cloves
• 2 green cardamom
• 2 to 3 black peppercorns

Ground Paste Ingredients

• 1 medium size onion – chopped
• 2 medium size tomatoes – chopped
• 1-inch ginger – chopped
• 4 to 5 medium-sized garlic cloves – chopped
• 1 green chili – chopped

Other Ingredients For The Gravy

• 2 to 3 tablespoons oil or ghee
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing) – optional
• ½ or 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur powder)
• 1 to 1.5 cups of water to be added later
• salt as required
• 1 green chili (hari mirch) – slit
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala or chole masala
• 1 tsp Kasuri methi

Method FOR CHOLE KULCHA

Pressure Cooking Chickpeas:

1. Soak the chickpeas with channa dal overnight
2. The next day drains all the water.
3. Cook the chickpeas with water+salt+baking soda in a pressure cooker or a pot.
4. Drain the water and keep the chickpeas aside.

how to make chole:

1. In a grinder or blender take 1 medium-sized chopped onion, 2 medium-sized chopped tomatoes, 1 inch chopped ginger, 4 to 5 garlic cloves, and 1 chopped green chili.
2. Grind or blend to a fine paste.
3. Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan or kadhai/wok.
4. Add the whole garam masala (spices) – 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 large tej patta, 2 inches cinnamon, 2 to 3 cloves, 2 green cardamoms, and 2 to 3 black peppercorns.
5. Saute on low flame until the spices turn aromatic.
6. Add the ground paste and saute till the oil starts to leave the sides of the masala paste.
7. Keep stirring often. Sauté for 8 to 10 minutes or more till the oil starts to leave the sides of the masala paste and the paste thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Stir while sautéing so that the paste does not stick to the pan.
9. Next, add all the dry spice powders – ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (Haldi), ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania powder), 1 pinch asafoetida (optional), and ½ or 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur).
10. Mix very well and saute for a minute or two. Now add the cooked chickpeas and stir.
11. Add 1 to 1.5 cups of water or add as required. Also, add salt as per taste and mix well.
12. Simmer the gravy on a low or medium flame for 12 to 15 minutes or till the curry thickens. Don’t cover the pan. Stir occasionally.
13. To prepare the tempering, heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan.
14. Lastly, add 1 slit green chili and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder or chole masala powder. Mix well and simmer for a minute or two.
15. Garnish the curry with coriander leaves and Kasuri methi.
16. finally, chole kulcha is ready to enjoy with some onions.

how to make the kulcha recipe

1. Add maida, sugar, salt, milk powder, oil, and curd to a mixing dish. Mix well. Add some water and the Eno packet. Mix thoroughly and work the soft dough. For at least 30 minutes, cover and rest.
2. Flatten a ball of dough using your fingers.
3. Sprinkle some coriander leaves and black sesame seeds.
4. Using a rolling pin, carefully form it into a round or oval shape.
5. Tawa should be heated before adding the kulcha and adding water to the edges. At a medium temperature, cook the kulcha for 5 minutes under a cover.
6. Cook the kulcha from both sides after flipping it over and adding some ghee.
7. Lastly, dish up hot plain kulcha with chole curry.

Tips 

• Chole tastes deliciously sour thanks to amchur powder.
• Chana is given a pleasant aromatic flavor and color by dry spices and tea leaves.
• The mashed chana thickens the gravy.
• knead the smooth and starchy dough for kulcha.
• cook kulcha on medium flame.

Variations

• Paneer Chole Kulcha: Adding succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the Chole for a delightful twist.
• Aloo Chole Kulcha: Introducing potatoes to the Chole, giving it a hearty and comforting element.
• Amritsari Chole Kulcha: A speciality from Amritsar, Punjab, known for its rich and robust flavors.
• Vegan Chole Kulcha: Substituting dairy products with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Suggestion

Some food combinations are like a match made in heaven. Such as – chana and bhatura, pav and bhaji, aloo ki sabzi, and poori. Similarly, the Chole tastes best with the kulcha.

Chole tastes best when eaten hot, with a nicely buttered kulcha. You can eat this white pea curry with paratha or pav as well.

A flavorsome green chutney, pickled vegetables, grated radish, and mirch ki tapori served alongside the plate of chole kulche gives the purest outburst of flavors in each bite.

FAQs

1. Is Chole Kulcha a vegetarian dish?

Yes, Chole Kulcha is a vegetarian dish. The main ingredients, chickpeas, and Kulcha, are both plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians.

2. What are the key spices used in making Chole Kulcha?

The key spices used in making Chole Kulcha include cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and sometimes amchur (dried mango powder). These spices infuse the dish with its distinct and flavorful taste.

3. Can I find Chole Kulcha outside of India?

Yes, Chole Kulcha has gained popularity worldwide, and you can find it in Indian restaurants and street food joints in various countries. It has become a favorite among food enthusiasts globally.

4. Are there any variations of Chole Kulcha?

Yes, there are several variations of Chole Kulcha based on regional preferences and culinary creativity. Some popular variations include Paneer Chole Kulcha (with paneer cubes), Aloo Chole Kulcha (with potatoes), and Vegan Chole Kulcha (with plant-based ingredients).

5. How is Kulcha different from regular bread?

Kulcha is a type of leavened bread made with all-purpose flour, yogurt, baking powder, and baking soda. It is different from regular bread because of its soft and fluffy texture, which is achieved through the leavening agents and the method of preparation.

6. Can I make Chole Kulcha at home?

Absolutely! Chole Kulcha can be prepared at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. You can recreate the delicious flavors of this dish in your own kitchen.

7. What are the best side dishes to serve with Chole Kulcha?

Chole Kulcha pairs well with various side dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. Some popular accompaniments include green chutney, tamarind chutney, sliced onions, and pickles.

Nutrition

Calories	620kcal
Carbohydrates	100gm
proteins	4g
sodium	21mg
potassium	73mg
sugar	76g
Vitamin A	50IU
Vitamin C	13mg
Fat	23g
Iron	1.5mg

 

Also read: 

• Paneer do pyaza recipe
• Mushroom Pakoda recipe
• chicken chatpata recipe
• Oreo Mug Cake Recipe
• Paneer Dum Biryani Recipe

 

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