Matar Kulcha
There would not be anyone who hasn’t grabbed a quick and delicious meal of matar kulcha on the way to college or home. The spicy and tangy matar (peas) served with butter flavoured kulchas (roasted flatbread) is one of the most comforting meals, especially on a winter day, especially when paired with a salad of onion, sliced lemon, green chillies, and cucumbers. Be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, matar kulcha can be had any time of the day.
Its popularity, especially in northern India, can be ascertained from the fact that not only is matar kulcha sold on every street corner, but also in high-end restaurants. In fact, kulchas are as loved as other bread like
lachha paratha, aloo paratha,
spinach roti, bhatura,
garlic naan, etc.
What are the health benefits of matar kulcha?
Matar kulcha is not only a super-filling and delicious meal, but also has amazing health benefits making it a guilt-free dish that can be enjoyed whenever you want to. Here are some of the most important benefits of making matar kulcha a part of your meals:
White peas, the main ingredient of matar kulcha recipe, are a great source of iron, especially for children, older people, and pregnant women. They help in preventing anaemia and the resultant fatigue and shortness of breath.
The peas and kulchas, especially when made with whole wheat flour and with minimal oil, are a great source of fibre. When made with curd, they help in improving your digestive processes and are helpful in smooth bowel movements and preventing constipation, gas, flatulence, etc. These fibres also help in regulating your blood sugar levels. This helps in keeping your cardiovascular system healthy and preventing the risk of diabetes.
Matar kulcha due to its high fibre and protein content due to ingredients like curd and peas helps in keeping you satiated. This avoids the need to overeat and helps in losing weight.
Adding spices and herbs like turmeric, cumin, garam masala, etc. to your matar kulcha recipe are beneficial for improving your immunity and digestion. These also help in improving your cognitive functioning and preventing issues like memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc. in the long run.
These spices also help in lowering inflammation and are especially beneficial for people who suffer from arthritis.
These herbs and spices also help in boosting your metabolism and relieving the discomforting symptoms of cold and cough.
Condiments like garlic in matar kulcha help in relieving nausea.
Additions like tomatoes, lemon, onions, etc. in your matar kulcha recipe help in fortifying your meal with essential nutrients like copper, manganese, vitamin B1, potassium, etc.
White peas, lemon juice, and green chillies in matar kulcha contain significant levels of vitamin C. This helps in enhancing your immunity and preventing infections. It also helps in the production of collagen that keeps your skin healthy and prevents premature ageing.
What are some tips for making the most-delicious matar kulcha every time?
We often wonder about how to make matar kulcha at home and get the same spicy and delicious taste that's hygienic too. But before we share the best and the easiest matar kulcha recipe, here are some pro tips on how to make kulcha matar:
For soft matar in your matar kulcha banane ki vidhi, soak them overnight at least for 8 hours till the time they fluff up to double their size. Alternatively, if you are short on time, you can soak them in warm water. This would cut down your soaking time to 2-3 hours.
Make sure that your matar kulcha curry is semi-thick. It should not be too mushy or watery.
Thinking of how to make matar kulcha at home that’s healthy? Use minimal oil and use whole wheat flour or atta instead of refined flour. This would considerably cut down the calories and fats.
To make your matar kulcha recipe more nutritious and filling, add a healthy dose of veggies and accompaniments like tomatoes, onions, lemon, carrots, etc.
To make your matar kulcha more spicy and tangy, add a little bit of lemon juice just before serving.
To add more texture, nutrition, and taste, you can add a filling of boiled potatoes and paneer to your kulchas.
How to make the most-delicious matar kulcha at home?
Here is the easiest recipe of matar kulcha that can be whipped up in a jiffy at home. This is a matar kulcha recipe street style that lets you enjoy the same delicious tanginess in the comfort of your home:
For the matar:
Soak 200 grams white matar overnight. Rinse and drain them in the morning.
Pressure cook them with 3-4 cups of water for 3-4 whistles.
Continue cooking them till they get slightly mushy.
In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and add 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds.
Once the cumin seeds crackle, add 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1.5 teaspoons dry mango powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, half teaspoon tamarind powder, a bit of ginger, and 4 pieces chopped green chillies. Mix this well.
Add the cooked matar and stir well.
Add salt to taste along with 1 teaspoon tamarind paste.
Add coriander to this and mix well.
Cook this for 3-4 minutes till it gets a little thick.
Top this with 2 medium onions and tomatoes that are chopped well.
For the kulcha:
In a mixing bowl, add 2 cups of wheat flour and add 2 tablespoons oil, salt, 1 tablespoon semolina, and 2 tablespoons curd.
Add a bit of water to give the mixture the consistency of a soft dough.
Once it is mixed well, cover it and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls and roll into
whole wheat rotis. This process should be easy if you know
how to make soft rotis.
Heat a tawa and cook the kulchas well on both sides.
To make the kulchas fluffy, you can press them using a spatula or even a cloth.
Finally, garnish the matar kulcha with more chopped onions and tomatoes and serve hot.