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Chhole Amritsari and Kulcha , a slightly dry chickpeas curry from the region of Punjab in India and an unleavened flat bread from the same region. A match made in heaven.

May 23, 2014 by simplyvegetarian777 67 Comments

Amritsari Chhole & Kulcha

Amritsari Chhole & Kulcha

Recently, Namrata of My food tapestry had posted Amritsari Chane. the moment I saw that post, I had fallen in love with it. Amritsar is a beautiful city in the state of Punjab, India. It is famous for The Golden Temple and Food! The Amritsari food is matchless. And today I bring the most famous combination from the region.

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Chhole Kulcha

Chhole Amritsari and Kulcha. Chhole is Chickpeas. Amritsari is regional name. Kulcha is an unleavened flat bread made with all purpose flour. I made it with whole wheat :). I was not looking to replicate the taste of this combination since it is impossible. But I could atleast recreate the ambience and joy by makjng this together. Fellas, to your good luck, I cooked the curry in very less oil, 1&1/2 tsp only !

Did I say that this combination makes a fantastic deal for weekend breakfast and brunch or a great meal to offer your guests. Kids would love it too!

Kulcha

Kulcha

I will not talk much today since I have to write down 2 recipes. Taking this to fiesta friday, co hosted by Jhuls , Selma and Alex. I hope you guys have fun with this dish. I have made it in good quantities ;).

Chhole Amritsari

Chhole Amritsari

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Amritsari Chhole

Amritsari Chhole

I have almost followed the proportions given by Namrata in her recipe for the ratio of chickpeas and chana dal and then tweaked the recipe to recreate my version of Amritsari Chhole!

Ingredients 

chickpeas : 1&1/2 cups, washed and soaked overnight.

Chana dal : 3 tbsp, soaked along with the chickpeas.

Oil : 1&1/2 tsp

Bay leaf, dry : 1 big

Black cardamom : 1

Dark tea bag : 1

home made tangy tomato curry paste : 1/2 cup

Chhole Masala : 1-3 tbsp, as per taste. I add way too much since I like these spicy. Keep doing the spoon lick taste to judge the heat of the curry.

Salt : to taste

Cilantro leaves : 2-3 tbsp, washed and chopped.

Onions, Ginger, green chillies and lemon for garnish and as accompaniments.

Method :

1. Boil the chickpeas along with chana dal, bay leaf, black cardamom, tea bag and little salt, till soft and tender. If there is too much water after boiling, then drain and collect the water in a cup or bowl and add it later to the curry. Add the Chhole Masala to the boiled chickpeas. Toss well so that all the grains are well coated. If possible, mash them a bit with a potato masher. This will add to the texture and thickness of the curry.

2. Meanwhile prepare the tangy tomato curry paste in 1&1/2 tsp oil or as mentioned in the recipe. I always make it more and then refrigerate the left overs to use whenever needed.

3. Now add this tangy tomato curry paste to the spice coated chickpeas. Mix well. Add little water, chopped cilantro, some julienned ginger and cook the curry covered for 1/2 an hour on simmer. This curry is supposed to be slightly dry. But if you like it thinner and more soupy. Add more water. Adjust the seasoning by adding more chhole masala or salt, as required.

4. The curry is ready. The side of vinegar pickled onions, green chillies is a good accompaniment with this dish.

Kulcha , Whole Wheat and flavored with Mint and Nigella seeds

Kulcha

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Print

Kulcha

Kulcha

Recipe adapted from Sanjeev Kapoor

Yields : 12-15 Kulchas

Kitchen Equipments Required 

Rolling pin, clean working surface or rolling board, a griddle or tawa, a flat spatula

Ingredients 
Whole wheat flour : 2 cups + more for rolling. The original recipe requires All purpose flour or Maida.
Baking powder : 1/2 tsp
Baking soda : 1/4 tsp
Salt : 1/2 tsp
Sugar : 1/2 tsp
Oil : 1 tbsp
Yogurt, thick : 3/4 cup. I used thick non fat plain Greek yogurt. If you use home set yogurt, then either strain it or use 1/2 cup.
Milk : as required to knead the dough. I used almost 1/2 cup.
Mint leaves : 1 tbsp, washed and chopped fine.
Nigella seeds or Kalonji : 1 tsp
Butter to rub the surface of the kulcha.

Note : if you are using the APF, then the proportion of yogurt and milk will be less since it binds quickly and easily.

Method 

1. Take all the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Add yogurt and oil and start mixing the ingredients. Keep adding the milk to be able to make a pliable dough, which is soft. Cover it with a wet muslin or cheese cloth. Let it rise for 1 to 1&1/2 hour.

2. Take the dough and make 12-15 balls out if it and cover. Keep uncovering as using so that they don’t dry out while making others.

3. Heat a griddle. Take one dough ball. Pat it flat with hand and press some mint leaves and kalonji/nigella seeds on the top. Sprinkle some dry flour. Roll in either round or oblong on a well floured surface.

4. Once the griddle or tawa is hot, lower it to medium. Lay your rolled Kulcha on the hot griddle. Once you see the bubbles forming on the surface. Slightly give a peek at the bottom surface to see if the bottom has got some golden spots.

5. Once the bottom layer has golden spots, flip it to roast it on the other side. Press it gently with the flat spatula for even cooking. When the mint and nigella seeds side is slightly golden too, take it off. Apply butter and enjoy with Amritsari Chhole.

Note : These serve as fantastic pizza base for those who are allergic to yeast.

Linking it to simply.food at Cooking with pulses event!.

I had a great time making this in my Indian American kitchen! I hope you will too!

Sonal

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Filed Under: Breads, Breads, Breakfast & Brunch, Collections, Dals, Indian Food, Uncategorized Tagged With: amritsari chhole, brunch ideas, Chana, chhole, chhole kulche, chickpeas curry, desi khana, entertaining guests ideas, garbanzo beans in curry, how ro make kulchas at home, Indian cuisine, Indian food, Indian spices, indian street food, party food, punjabi cuisine, simplyvegetarian777, simplyvegetarian777 recipes, Sonal Gupta blog 777, soul food, vegetarian food, whole wheat kulcha recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vijay kumari

    February 25, 2016 at 5:55 am

    Very tasty recipe but write in Hindi also

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      February 25, 2016 at 7:22 am

      I don’t have the tool to put it in Hindi.
      I can suggest you to translate in Google Translate

      Reply
  2. Shrikant

    February 9, 2016 at 4:41 am

    Kulcha looks mouth watering!!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      February 9, 2016 at 8:31 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  3. The Desserted Girl

    May 30, 2014 at 5:26 am

    oh my god these chole look awesome!! i was thinking of making chole this weekend and i needed a recipe for the typically dark punjabi ones! thank you 🙂

    Reply
  4. Khevna

    May 29, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    Hi.

    I made these today for my anniversary. Came out awesomely awesome. Thats the compliment from hubby. Thank you.

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 29, 2014 at 11:19 pm

      All my pleasure Khevna. Thanks for sharing with me :). Have a great day.

      Reply
  5. Eat,live,burp

    May 26, 2014 at 5:06 pm

    Do the kulchas stay soft even if they aren’t hot? I am so bad at making rotis ( can never get them to be soft unless I add avocado) that I am even scared to experiment any Indian flatbread with whole wheat flour..

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 26, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      They did for me. When I refrigerated them they hardened but reheating them on low over griddle or microwave them in wet towel.

      As far as chapati, I have never had problem but then I do have problems with my dosa. Just kidding. What I do is knead my dough very soft with water. I don’t add anything else. The dough is sticky but then I knead it a bit with dry flour and leave it uncovered for 5 minutes and then knead again for few minutes.
      Plan to make a video on chapati and basic non leavened flat breads too.

      Reply
  6. Patty Nguyen

    May 26, 2014 at 2:38 am

    What a fantastic spread, Sonal. Now how am I going to get to your side of the country?? I’ll be in DC in August…is that close enough?? SIGH. 😉

    Reply
  7. Shruti

    May 25, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    Sonallllll… You’re going to kill me or what!!??!!! I was tempted to have it yesterday and couldn’t manage cooking it… Now today is the time… Beautifully clicked pics 🙂

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 25, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      Thanks Shruti.

      Reply
  8. Nayna Kanabar (@SIMPLYF00D)

    May 25, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    Inviting you to send this recipe to Lets cook with pulses event at simply.food

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 25, 2014 at 6:15 pm

      Sure Nayna! Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  9. Nayna Kanabar (@SIMPLYF00D)

    May 25, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    This is one of my all time fav recipes. I love the kulcha.

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 25, 2014 at 6:15 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  10. Shobha

    May 25, 2014 at 5:44 pm

    Yummy meal.. will try out your kulchas .. I have a similar pindi chole recipe in my blog.

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 25, 2014 at 6:16 pm

      I have to dig it out then Shobhaji :). That’s one kind I still need to try !

      Reply
  11. Ahila

    May 24, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    Yum! The kulchas and chole look delicious!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:11 pm

      Thanks Ahila!

      Reply
  12. Deena Kakaya

    May 24, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    I visited Amritsar just before I fell pregnant and adored the place. I ate in a couple of dhabas where I indulged in paneer dishes, thick and happy dhal and the best kulcha and paratha I had ever tasted. Your recipe revives some fabulous memories x

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks Deena :).

      Reply
  13. Jhuls

    May 24, 2014 at 10:06 am

    Sonal, you never fail to amaze me with your healthy dishes! This sounds interesting as I have never heard of this before. Thank you for introducing this dish to me (and to other who have not heard of it).

    I am glad that you brought this for FF. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:15 pm

      Thank you so much my dear girl! Have an awesome weekend yourself!

      Reply
  14. lapetitepaniere

    May 24, 2014 at 9:23 am

    Looks so tasty Sonal 🙂 I use a lot of Nigella seeds in my bread too and the smell is heaven!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      I love nigella seeds. I make kadhi, a curry with buttermilk and besan using this and smells divine.

      Reply
  15. #AceNewsGroup

    May 24, 2014 at 8:49 am

    Reblogged this on Ace Food and Health News 2014 and commented:
    #AceFoodNews2014

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • #AceNewsGroup

        May 25, 2014 at 6:25 am

        Nice recipe just right for food news and sharing 🙂

        Reply
  16. spiceinthecity

    May 24, 2014 at 3:46 am

    Looks delicious Sonal! You have me craving some kulcha+chhole nowwww & I have just had breakfast, ha ha 🙂

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      Naina :).

      Reply
  17. indusinternationalkitchen

    May 23, 2014 at 11:16 pm

    Looks delicious and your Amritsari chhole reminded me of my classmate whose mom used to make the most delicious chhole …thanks for your recipe! 🙂

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      My pleasure Indu :). How are you?

      Reply
      • indusinternationalkitchen

        May 26, 2014 at 9:13 am

        I am good Sonal – just extremely busy with work and with family visiting me from india hence you are seeing so little of me these days 🙂 Hope you are doing well!

        Reply
        • simplyvegetarian777

          May 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm

          Yup I am well :).

          Reply
  18. A Home Cook

    May 23, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    This looks so good; I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for bringing it to Fiesta Friday for us all to share.

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks :).

      Reply
  19. D. Parker

    May 23, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    This looks so delicious.

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:19 pm

      Thanks Parker!

      Reply
  20. Selma's Table

    May 23, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Your photos!! Love chole and how nice that this a healthy version. The kulcha looks fantastic – you have really inspired me this week Sonal! Thanks for bringing these to the party – happy Fiesta Friday xx

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:19 pm

      Love ya Selma!

      Reply
  21. Aditi

    May 23, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    Home made wheat kulchas and chole! Yummy! Both look so delicious that I’m taking a few bites off the screen!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      Off the screen?
      Next time, khana ho toh call me and I will keep them ready :).

      Reply
  22. Alex

    May 23, 2014 at 2:08 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like this but it looks so delicious! I’m glad you brought this to the party can’t wait to try it

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 23, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      Thanks Alex for visiting my stall and appreciating it ;)). How is it going cohosting the gala event?

      Reply
  23. Liz

    May 23, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    The most delicious meal I’ve seen this week! I love it!!!!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 23, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      You are most welcome Liz!

      Reply
  24. Elaine @ foodbod

    May 23, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    Yum yum yum!!! Your food is just always amazing!!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 9:20 pm

      🙂 muah

      Reply
  25. tinywhitecottage

    May 23, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Beautiful, as always. 🙂

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 23, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks Seana !

      Reply
  26. apsara

    May 23, 2014 at 11:11 am

    I love the way you have made kulcha with whole wheat. It has puffed so well! beautiful pictures of chole chana too, I’m getting hungry 🙂

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 10:40 pm

      Apsara, when you come down to cincinnati, holler and this can be your lunch :).

      Reply
      • apsara

        May 24, 2014 at 10:55 pm

        🙂

        Reply
  27. Lori

    May 23, 2014 at 10:26 am

    Never heard of Kulcha… So glad you brought it because it looks so good!

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 23, 2014 at 10:29 am

      Thanks Lori. Kulcha is a very regional bread used in street foods and not as famous as naan. But very delish!

      Reply
  28. thebrookcook

    May 23, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Looks absolutely delicious… but a lot of WORK!! What are nigella seeds- like black mustard? no?

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 23, 2014 at 9:53 am

      These are sometimes called onion seeds. Not even close to balck mustard seeds. Lot of work for weekend ;). Kulcha is easier than naan :).

      Reply
      • thebrookcook

        May 23, 2014 at 9:54 am

        Unfamiliar to me- it was just a guess… they are black! 🙂 ha ha.

        Reply
  29. acasadisimi

    May 23, 2014 at 9:02 am

    great recipe! congratulations!
    Simi

    Reply
    • simplyvegetarian777

      May 24, 2014 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks Simi :).
      I wanted to ask you something. I always come across your recipes and posts on my WordPress reader but can’t find the English translation to the posts. The pics and posts look so tempting but my lack of knowledge of multiple languages make me skip these ! Please help me through it.

      Reply
      • acasadisimi

        May 25, 2014 at 9:51 am

        Hello dear friend! at the end of each post there is a flag for the translation! kisses and greetings from beautiful Italy!

        Reply
        • simplyvegetarian777

          May 25, 2014 at 10:14 am

          Thanks Simi :))). Got it and following back :).
          Hugs!

          Reply
          • acasadisimi

            May 25, 2014 at 10:17 am

            Thanks so much! <3

  30. Jueseppi B.

    May 23, 2014 at 8:46 am

    Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat™.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Instant Pot Matar Chaat Matra Recipe - simplyvegetarian777 says:
    October 28, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    […] Normally you can eat it as is but you can combine it with street bread called KULCHA. It is a yeast free bread made with all purpose flour. Here is the recipe for home-made Kulcha. […]

    Reply
  2. Fiesta Friday #17 | The Novice Gardener says:
    May 23, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    […] Sonal […]

    Reply

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