Matar kulcha is a popular North Indian dish that has gained immense popularity across the globe. This mouth-watering dish consists of a flavorful pea curry (matar) served with a soft, fluffy bread (kulcha). In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking matar kulcha, a dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Understanding the Ingredients and Their Significance
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the ingredients used in making matar kulcha. The dish requires a combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that work together to create a unique flavor profile.
For the Matar (Pea Curry)
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
- 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Kulcha (Bread)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup of lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
Preparing the Matar (Pea Curry)
Preparing the matar is a straightforward process that requires some basic cooking skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect matar:
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step 2: Add the Spices and Tomato
Add the coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Mix well and sauté for a minute. Add the diced tomato and sauté until it turns soft.
Step 3: Add the Peas and Water
Add the peas to the pan and mix well. Add 1 cup of water to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the peas are cooked.
Step 4: Add the Flour and Butter
Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to make a smooth paste. Add the paste to the pan and mix well. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and mix until it melts. Season the matar with salt to taste.
Preparing the Kulcha (Bread)
Preparing the kulcha is a bit more involved than making the matar, but with some practice, you can master the art of making soft, fluffy kulchas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect kulcha:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of lukewarm water with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Add 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast to the bowl and mix well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Kulchas
Punch the dough and divide it into 4-6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
Step 5: Cook the Kulchas
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Place a kulcha on the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Flip the kulcha and cook for another minute. Brush the kulcha with melted butter and serve hot with the matar.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect matar kulcha:
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences.
- Add a splash of cream or milk to the matar for a richer flavor.
- Use a mixture of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour to make a healthier kulcha.
- Add some chopped herbs like cilantro or mint to the kulcha dough for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Matar kulcha is a delicious North Indian dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. With this recipe, you can make the perfect matar kulcha at home. Remember to use fresh ingredients, adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences, and practice making the kulcha to get it just right. Happy cooking!
What is Matar Kulcha?
Matar Kulcha is a popular North Indian dish that consists of kulchas (leavened flatbreads) served with a flavorful matar (pea) curry. The kulchas are typically made with a yeast-based dough that is allowed to rise, giving them a light and airy texture. The matar curry is made with a mixture of spices, herbs, and peas, which are cooked together in a rich and creamy sauce.
The combination of the crispy kulchas and the flavorful matar curry makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Matar Kulcha is a popular street food in North India, particularly in the city of Delhi, where it is often served as a snack or light meal. It is also a popular dish in many North Indian restaurants, where it is often served with a variety of other dishes.
What are the ingredients required to make Matar Kulcha?
To make Matar Kulcha, you will need a variety of ingredients, including all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and spices for the kulchas. For the matar curry, you will need peas, onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. You will also need oil or ghee for frying the kulchas and cooking the curry.
In addition to these ingredients, you may also want to add some optional ingredients, such as paneer (Indian cheese) or potatoes, to the matar curry to make it more flavorful and filling. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding or subtracting spices and herbs.
How do I make the kulchas for Matar Kulcha?
To make the kulchas for Matar Kulcha, you will need to start by activating the yeast in warm water. Once the yeast is activated, you can mix it with flour, salt, sugar, and spices to form a dough. The dough should be kneaded for several minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is ready, you can shape it into small balls and flatten them slightly into disks. The kulchas can then be fried in oil or ghee until they are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can also bake the kulchas in a preheated oven for a healthier option.
How do I make the matar curry for Matar Kulcha?
To make the matar curry for Matar Kulcha, you will need to start by sautéing onions, ginger, and garlic in oil or ghee until they are softened. You can then add a mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and cook for several minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Next, you can add peas, tomatoes, and a variety of other ingredients, such as paneer or potatoes, to the curry and cook until the peas are tender. The curry can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste, and served hot over the kulchas.
Can I customize Matar Kulcha to my taste?
Yes, you can customize Matar Kulcha to your taste by adding or subtracting spices and herbs. For example, you can add more chili peppers or cayenne pepper to make the dish spicier, or you can add more cream or yogurt to make it creamier.
You can also customize the dish by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as paneer or potatoes, to the matar curry. Additionally, you can serve the dish with a variety of other ingredients, such as chutneys or pickles, to add more flavor and texture.
Is Matar Kulcha a healthy dish?
Matar Kulcha can be a healthy dish if it is made with healthy ingredients and cooking methods. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the kulchas, and you can bake the kulchas instead of frying them.
You can also make the matar curry with a variety of healthy ingredients, such as peas, tomatoes, and spices, and you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of cream or yogurt. However, if you add a lot of oil or ghee to the dish, or if you use a lot of salt or sugar, it can be less healthy.
Can I make Matar Kulcha in advance?
Yes, you can make Matar Kulcha in advance, but it is best served fresh. You can make the kulchas and the matar curry separately and store them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
You can then assemble the dish just before serving by frying or baking the kulchas and heating up the matar curry. Alternatively, you can also make the entire dish in advance and reheat it just before serving, but the kulchas may not be as crispy and fresh.