Matar Kulcha Recipe: Matar chole or white peas curry is one of the popular North Indian or Delhi street food curry recipes. This unique white peas curry is traditionally paired with plain kulcha, hence the name “kulcha” is linked to it.
The recipe of chole kulche is almost synonymous with chole bhature, which also hails from the same North Indian cuisine. However, matar ki chaat recipe is also similar to the famous Bangalore chaat – masala puri recipe. In fact, I find a lot of similarities between these two recipes apart from the common white peas used in both recipes. Both recipes come with freshly chopped onions and tomatoes as garnishes, along with fine sev and chaat chutneys. But the spices added while preparing these curries are completely different, resulting in a totally different taste. Additionally, masala puri is served with crushed puri as a base, whereas chole kulche recipe does not contain it.Finally, matar kulcha can be effortlessly served as both a curry and a chaat recipe with any type of bread of your choice, making it incredibly versatile.
Furthermore, some important considerations and tips for a perfect chatpata matar kulcha recipe. Firstly, the white peas have to be soaked overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours so that they almost double in size. Alternatively, you can soak them in warm water, which should cut down the soaking time by at least 2-3 hours. Secondly, the chole kulche recipe tastes good with different types of kulchas such as aloo kulcha, paneer kulcha, and plain kulcha. However, it also tastes great with other types of bread like garlic naan, tandoori roti, and rumali roti. Lastly, the consistency of the curry should be somewhat between thick to semi-thick, with peas not turning mushy.
Ingredients: Matar Kulcha Recipe
For Pressure Cooking:
- 1 cup white peas, soaked overnight
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For Jaljeera Chutney:
- Handful of mint leaves (pudina)
- Small piece of tamarind (imli)
- 1 pod of black cardamom
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- ½ teaspoon dry mango powder (aamchur)
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons oil
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- Pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- ¼ teaspoon cumin powder (jeera powder)
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato, finely chopped
- Few coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, julienned
- 1 green chili, slit
- ¼ lemon, wedged
- Pinch of chaat masala
Instructions: Matar Kulcha Recipe
- Firstly, pressure cook 1 cup of white peas with 2 cups of water and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Heat 3 teaspoons of oil in a kadai and sauté 1 inch of chopped ginger.
- Next, sauté the spices.
- Additionally, add the pressure-cooked white peas and mix well.
- Mash slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
- Now, add the prepared jaljeera chutney and mix well.
- Allow it to boil for 5 minutes or more, adjusting the consistency as needed.
- Garnish with chopped onion, tomato, coriander leaves, julienned ginger, slit green chili, lemon wedge, and a pinch of chaat masala.
- Finally, serve the matar kulcha recipe with plain kulcha or naan.
Conclusion:
Matar Kulcha Recipe, or white peas curry, is a versatile and flavorful dish enjoyed across North India. Whether served with kulcha as a street food delight or enjoyed at home with your favorite bread, this dish never fails to impress. By following the recipe and adjusting spices to your liking, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal for yourself and your loved ones. Experiment with different variations and make it your own signature dish!
FAQs: Matar Kulcha Recipe
Can I use canned white peas instead of soaking them overnight?
Yes, you can use canned white peas as a shortcut. However, soaking dried white peas overnight or for at least 8 hours is recommended for better texture and taste.
Can I customize the spice level of this dish?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies according to your spice preference. You can also add or reduce other spices to suit your taste.
Can I make the jaljeera chutney in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the jaljeera chutney ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. This will save you time when making the curry.
What can I serve with Matar Chole other than plain kulcha or naan?
Matar chole pairs well with various bread options such as aloo kulcha, paneer kulcha, garlic naan, tandoori roti, or rumali roti. You can also enjoy it with steamed rice or jeera rice.
How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply substitute oil for ghee, and ensure that all other ingredients used are plant-based. Avoid garnishing with yogurt or any dairy products.
