Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with Chole: A Delicious Punjabi Recipe

                                    Introduction

Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with chole is a popular North Indian dish that combines the flavours of soft and stuffed paneer kulcha bread with spicy and tangy chickpea curry. This delightful combination is a favourite among food enthusiasts and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch option. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process of preparing this mouthwatering dish.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History of Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with Chole
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Dough
• Preparing the Paneer Filling
• Making the Chole
• Rolling and Stuffing the Kulcha
• Cooking the Paneer Kulcha
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

FAQs

History of Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with Chole

Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with chole has its origins in Amritsar, a city in the state of Punjab, India. Amritsar is known for its rich culinary heritage, and paneer kulcha with chole is one of the iconic dishes that originated there. The dish reflects the vibrant flavours and unique cooking techniques of Punjabi cuisine.

Ingredients

To prepare Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with chole, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Kulcha:

1. All-purpose flour
2. Yoghurt
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Ghee or oil
6. For the Paneer Filling:
7. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
8. Onion
9. Green chillies
10. Fresh coriander leaves
11. Spices (such as cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder)
12. Salt

For the Chole:

• Chickpeas (pre-soaked and boiled)
• Onion
• Tomatoes
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Green chillies
• Spices (such as turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala)
• Salt

Preparing the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, yoghurt, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft dough.

Drizzle some oil or ghee over the dough and knead it again until smooth.

Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Preparing the Paneer Filling

• Crumble the paneer into a bowl.
• Add finely chopped onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, and spices.
• Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Set the paneer filling aside for later use.

Making the Chole

• Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and green chillies, and cook for a minute.
• Stir in the spices and cook for another minute to release their flavours.
• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
• Add boiled chickpeas, salt, and water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Mash some chickpeas to thicken the curry slightly.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and set aside.
• Rolling and Stuffing the Kulcha
• Take a portion of the prepared dough and roll it into a small circle.
• Place a portion of the paneer filling in the centre of the circle.
• Bring the edges together and seal the filling inside the dough.
• Gently roll the stuffed dough into a flatbread, taking care not to let the filling come out.

Cooking the Paneer Kulcha

• Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat.
• Place the rolled kulcha on the hot tawa and cook for a minute.
• Flip the kulcha and cook the other side until golden brown.
• Apply ghee or oil on both sides while cooking.
• Repeat the process for the remaining kulchas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with chole hot off the tawa. You can garnish the chole with chopped onions, fresh coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Accompany the dish with mint chutney and a refreshing glass of lassi (a yoghurt-based drink).

Conclusion

Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with chole is a delectable dish that brings together the richness of paneer-stuffed kulchas and the flavoursome chole curry. It is a beloved combination that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can recreate this authentic Punjabi dish in your own kitchen and enjoy its delightful flavours.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the kulcha?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make a healthier version of the kulcha. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Q2: Can I use store-bought paneer for the filling?

Yes, you can use store-bought paneer if you don't have homemade paneer. Ensure that it is fresh and crumble it before adding it to the filling.

Q3: Can I make the choice in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chole in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it before serving to retain its flavours.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftover kulchas?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover kulchas in an airtight container. Thaw them before reheating and enjoy them later.

Q5: Are there any vegan alternatives for paneer?

Yes, you can use tofu as a vegan substitute for paneer. Ensure that it is firm and well-drained before using it in the filling.

In conclusion, Amritsari Paneer Kulcha with chole is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Punjabi cuisine. With its flavorful paneer-stuffed kulchas and tangy chickpea curry, it is a treat for your taste buds. Try this recipe at home and savour the authentic flavours of North India.