How to make Kulcha Chole

A Flavorful Duo: Crafting Delicious Kulcha Chole at Home

Embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the delightful world of Kulcha Chole, a classic North Indian dish that combines the soft, pillowy goodness of kulchas with the spicy and tangy allure of chole (chickpea curry). Follow this step-by-step guide to bring the authentic flavors of this street food favorite straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For Kulchas:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Water (as needed for kneading)

For Chole:

• 2 cups chickpeas, cooked (canned or pre-soaked)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

For Kulchas:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add yogurt and oil, then gradually add water while kneading to form a soft, pliable dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

2. Shape and Cook Kulchas: Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and roll them into balls. Roll each ball into a flat disc, applying a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Heat a griddle or tawa and cook each kulcha until golden brown spots appear on both sides.

3. Finish with Butter: For that authentic touch, brush the cooked kulchas with a bit of melted butter before serving.

For Chole:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili, cooking until the raw aroma disappears.

2. Spice it Up: Introduce coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the spices for a minute to enhance their flavors.

3. Add Tomatoes and Cook: Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

4. Simmer with Chickpeas: Integrate the cooked chickpeas into the masala. Add garam masala and allow the chole to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish your chole with fresh coriander leaves just before serving. The result is a rich and flavorful chickpea curry ready to be paired with the soft kulchas.

Bringing It All Together:

Serve your warm Kulcha Chole duo, allowing the fluffy kulchas to soak up the spicy goodness of the chickpea curry. Garnish with additional coriander leaves and serve with a side of yogurt, pickles, or sliced onions for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the Culinary Symphony:

Delight in the symphony of flavors that Kulcha Chole brings to your table—a perfect harmony of soft, oven-fresh kulchas and hearty chickpea curry. Whether it's a weekend treat or a festive occasion, this North Indian favorite is bound to elevate your culinary experience with every delicious bite.