Table of Contents
These ingredients are the basic components required to make Matar Kulcha. You can adjust the quantities of spices and garnishes according to your taste preferences.
Matar Kulcha is a popular North Indian street food that consists of a flavorful green peas curry (matar) served with soft and fluffy bread called kulcha. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is enjoyed as a snack or a light meal.
The dish starts with dried green peas that are soaked overnight and then boiled until tender. The green peas are cooked with a blend of onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste, and a combination of aromatic spices. This creates a rich and spicy curry with a delightful balance of flavors.
The kulcha, a leavened bread, is made using all-purpose flour, yogurt, and leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. The dough is kneaded until smooth and then rolled into small discs. The kulchas are cooked on a griddle until they become golden brown and puff up, resulting in soft and slightly crispy bread.
To serve, a hot kulcha is placed on a plate, and the green peas curry is generously poured over it. The dish is often garnished with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and freshness.
Matar Kulcha is a beloved street food that offers a delightful combination of textures, with the softness of the kulcha complementing the robustness of the green peas curry. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Matar Kulcha:
Ingredients Of Matar Kulcha:
For the Green Peas Curry (Matar):
- 1 cup dried green peas (matar)
- Water for soaking and boiling
- Salt, to taste
For the Onion-Tomato Masala:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
For the Kulcha Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- Water, as needed
- Ghee or butter, for cooking
For Garnish:
- Finely chopped onions
- Finely chopped tomatoes
- Finely chopped green chilies
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Lemon wedges
Step By Step Instructions Of Matar Kulcha Recipe:
Step 1: Soaking and Boiling the Dried Green Peas (Matar)
- Take 1 cup of dried green peas (matar) and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
- Soak the peas in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours.
- After soaking, drain the water and transfer the peas to a pressure cooker.
- Add 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and pressure cook for about 6-8 whistles or until the peas are soft and tender.
Step 2: Preparing the Onion-Tomato Masala
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
- Add 2 finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Now, add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the spice powders: 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference), and salt to taste.
- Mix well and cook the masala for a few minutes until the oil separates.
Step 3: Making the Green Peas Curry
- Add the boiled green peas to the pan with the masala and mix everything together.
- If needed, add a little water to adjust the consistency of the curry.
- Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
Step 4: Making the Kulcha Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, take 2 cups of all-purpose flour (maida) and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of yogurt.
- Mix well and gradually add water to form a soft and pliable dough.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Rolling and Cooking the Kulchas
- After the resting period, divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.
- Take one dough ball and flatten it with your palms.
- Dust it with flour and roll it into a small circular disc, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat and place the rolled kulcha on it.
- Cook for a minute or until bubbles start to appear on the surface.
- Flip the kulcha and cook the other side for another minute.
- Apply a little ghee or butter on both sides of the kulcha and cook for another 30 seconds on each side until it turns golden brown and puffs up.
- Repeat the process for the remaining dough balls.
Step 6: Serving the Matar Kulcha
- Take a serving plate and place a kulcha on it.
- Pour a generous amount of the prepared green peas curry (matar) over the kulcha.
- Garnish with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the curry for an extra tangy flavor.
- Serve the hot and delicious Matar Kulcha immediately and enjoy!
That’s it! You have now successfully prepared Matar Kulcha. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious street food right in the comfort of your home.
