Matar Kulcha || A Delightful North Indian Street Food
Matar Kulcha is a mouthwatering street food delicacy that hails from the vibrant streets of North India. This popular dish consists of spiced green peas (matar) served alongside soft and fluffy kulchas, a type of leavened bread. Bursting with flavors, Matar Kulcha offers a delightful combination of tangy, spicy, and savory tastes that are sure to leave you craving for more. With this recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Matar Kulcha in the comfort of your own kitchen. So let's dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Matar (Spiced Green Peas):
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
For the Kulcha (Leavened Bread):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Water, as needed
- Butter or ghee for brushing
Instructions:
1. Matar (Spiced Green Peas):
a. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
b. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
c. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
d. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
e. Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
f. Add the green peas and a splash of water. Cover the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
g. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and squeeze some lemon juice on top.
2. Kulcha (Leavened Bread):
a. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
b. Add yogurt and oil to the flour mixture. Mix well.
c. Gradually add water and knead until you have a soft and smooth dough.
d. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 1-2 hours.
e. After resting, divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.
f. Roll each ball into a circle or oval shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
g. Heat a griddle or tawa over medium heat and place the rolled kulcha on it.
h. Cook the kulcha on both sides until golden brown, applying butter or ghee as desired.
3. Serving:
a. Serve the hot and freshly cooked kulchas with the spiced green peas (matar) on the side.
b. Garnish the matar with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves.
c. Squeeze some lemon juice over the matar for an extra tangy kick.
d. Enjoy the delectable Matar Kulcha as ahearty meal or a delightful snack.
Additional Tips:
- You can enhance the flavors of the Matar Kulcha by adding a dollop of yogurt or mint chutney on top.
- For added texture and crunch, you can sprinkle some finely chopped onions or sev (crunchy chickpea flour noodles) over the matar.
- Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the kulcha dough.
- To make the kulchas more aromatic, you can sprinkle some nigella seeds (kalonji) or sesame seeds on top before cooking them.
Conclusion :
Matar Kulcha is not only a popular street food but also a fantastic option for a potluck or a gathering with friends and family. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress everyone who tries it. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself to this scrumptious North Indian delicacy. Enjoy the authentic taste of Matar Kulcha right in your own kitchen!
