A family member of naan, the kulcha is a significant part of Indian cuisine that is deemed to be a Punjabi dish predominantly. This highly popular South Indian food item is often served with potatoes and peas curry or even eaten alone!
Kulchas are soft textured leavened bread that can be prepared very easily and could be cooked in a variety of manners. Here is the recipe of a simple kulcha that you can enjoy with whatever you like.
Health Benefits :
Kulchas are healthy to eat and provide you with balanced nutrition. A plain kulcha comprises of 206 calories and 37.59 grams of carbohydrates. The portion of fat, protein and fiber in single piece of plain kulcha constitutes as 4.43, 7.2 and 6.7 grams respectively.
Kulchas can be further healthier if you choose to utilize low fat curds and reduce the amount of oil or ghee in the preparation.
Ingredients
cups of white flour or maida: 2 1/2
tbsp low-fat curd: 4
tsp of baking powder: 1/2
cup of water (required for kneading): 3/4
tsp of sugar: 2
tsp of salt or as per preference: 3/4
tbsp of oil or ghee: 2 1/2
Oil or ghee for frying
Extra flour for dusting
Nigella seeds for sprinkling
How To Make Kulcha
Preparing the Dough
- Mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add curd, oil and water into the dry mixture.
- Mix all the ingredients well and start kneading once a uniform mixture is formed.
- Make a smooth and soft dough and cover it with a wet kitchen napkin.
- Set the dough aside for two hours.
- Make small balls of the leavened flour.
- Sprinkle the nigella seeds on each ball and roll them into small size discs.
- Heat a griddle or tava, place the kulcha on the surface and toast each side briefly.
- Apply ghee or oil on each side of the kulcha and let cook until golden and is evenly cooked.
- Repeat the same process for rest of the balls.
- Serve hot with peas or potato curry.
Trivia
The kulcha is a traditional Indian from the state of Punjab. Kulchas are basically small, round breads made of flour, milk, and butter. Kulchas are traditionally it is cooked in a clay oven or tandoor.
Over the years, several variations have been made over the traditional kulchas. Restaurants have now started to make stuffed kulchas, using vegetables and meat to cater to the preference of customers. Cheese, green peas and spinach are also used as common stuffing ingredients in this traditional Punjabi dish.