Delhi-Style Matar Kulcha – A Street Food Classic You Can Make at Home
Delhi’s street food is famous for its bold flavors and irresistible taste, and one dish that stands out is Matar Kulcha. This hearty and tangy dish, made with spiced white peas and soft, fluffy kulchas, is a staple at roadside stalls. The perfect balance of flavors from the masalas, chutneys, and fresh toppings makes it a favorite among food lovers. If you’ve ever craved authentic Delhi-style Matar Kulcha, this recipe will bring the magic of the streets to your kitchen.
Why Don’t People Cook Street-Style Dishes at Home?
Many people avoid cooking street food at home because they believe it’s too complicated or won’t taste the same. Some also assume that homemade versions lack the intense flavors found in street-side stalls. However, with the right combination of spices, chutneys, and preparation techniques, you can recreate the exact taste of Delhi’s famous Matar Kulcha in your own kitchen—without the hygiene concerns of street-side food!
Nutritional Benefits of Matar Kulcha
Matar Kulcha is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines protein-rich white peas with soft, whole wheat kulchas for a balanced meal. White peas serve as a powerhouse of nutrition, offering plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like iron and potassium. They aid digestion, promote satiety, and help regulate blood sugar levels, making this dish a great vegetarian option.
Opting for whole wheat kulchas instead of refined flour versions adds more fiber, ensuring better digestion and sustained energy without sudden sugar spikes. The dish is further elevated with a blend of aromatic spices and tangy chutneys. Ginger, coriander, mint, and tamarind chutneys not only enhance taste but also provide antioxidants, vitamin C, and digestive benefits. The addition of cumin, black salt, and chaat masala boosts metabolism, making Matar Kulcha a flavorful yet nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.
How to Make Delhi-Style Matar Kulcha at Home
Step 1: Kneading the Dough for Kulcha
In a large mixing bowl, take 1.5 cups whole wheat flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp sugar, and salt as per taste. Add ¼ cup sour curd (khatta dahi) and 1 tbsp oil, then gradually pour water to knead a soft dough. Apply a little oil over the dough, cover it, and let it rest for 30-60 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.
Step 2: Preparing the Matar (White Peas Mixture)
Soak 1 cup white peas overnight and then add them to a pressure cooker. Pour in ½ cup water, along with salt, 2 cloves, 1 bay leaf, and ½ tsp turmeric powder. Pressure cook for 2 whistles until soft but not mushy. Set it aside while preparing the chutneys and masalas.
Step 3: Making the Green Chutney and Masala Mix
For the chutney, blend a large bunch of fresh coriander, a handful of mint leaves, 1 small ginger knob, a few green chilies, 3-4 ice cubes, and salt in a mixer to form a smooth chutney.
For the spice mix, combine 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tsp black salt, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tsp chaat masala in a small bowl. Separately, soak 1 tbsp tamarind in ¼ cup warm water, extract the pulp, and strain it for later use.
Step 4: Cooking the Kulchas
Divide the rested dough into small balls and flatten them with your hands. Sprinkle black sesame seeds and chopped coriander on top and roll them out like a paratha (medium thickness). Heat a tawa, place the kulcha on it, and drizzle a little water around the edges. Once bubbles start appearing, cover with a lid and let it cook. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Finally, place the kulcha on a wire rack and apply butter generously before serving.
Step 5: Final Plating and Serving
Take the boiled matar in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tsp of the prepared spice mix, along with finely chopped onion, tomatoes, ginger, and green chilies. Pour in 3 tbsp tamarind pulp and 2-3 tbsp green chutney. Mix well and garnish with more onions, tomatoes, coriander, and ginger juliennes. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice on top for that perfect tangy kick. Pair it with hot kulchas and enjoy an authentic street-style meal at home!
Conclusion
Delhi-style Matar Kulcha is more than just a street food dish—it’s a flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying meal that brings back nostalgic memories. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the magic of the streets right in your kitchen. The balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a perfect dish for breakfast, lunch, or even an evening snack. Try it today and experience the authentic taste of Delhi’s street food from the comfort of your home!
