Matar Kulcha is a popular North Indian street food, especially in Delhi and Punjab. This filling dish is a meal in itself and comprises of the matar curry which is a tangy, spiced dried white peas curry and the kulcha which are soft tender leavened flatbreads.
Soak the matar or dried white peas overnight or for 7 to 8 hours.
Drain all the water. Pressure cook the soaked peas in 3 to 4 cups water, for 15 to 18 minutes on medium heat, until the peas are completely cooked and softened.
When the pressure drops on its own in the cooker, then only open the lid.The peas should be fully softened. If they look undercooked, then add water if needed and pressure cook for some more minutes.
If there is extra water and the mixture is thin or runny, then simmer for some more minutes until the peas preparation gets to a medium consistency.
Mash some cooked white peas slightly with a wooden spoon. This helps in thickening the preparation.
The soaked matar can also be cooked in a pan, but it will take a lot of time.
Preparing jaljeera masala
Grind all the ingredients listed under jaljeera masala with ¼ or ⅓ cup water to a smooth and fine paste. Set aside.
Making matar curry
In a pan, heat oil. On low heat, first brown the cumin seeds.
Remove the pan from heat and place it on your kitchen countertop.
Then, add the dry spice powders one by one - chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, amchur powder, red chili powder and garam masala powder.
Stir to mix and immediately pour this mixture into the cooked matar or add the cooked matar to this mixture.
Switch on the heat and let the matar get heated through for 3 to 4 minutes.
Now, add the prepared and finely ground jaljeera masala and stir to combine.
If the matar mixture looks dry, add some water.
Cook the matar or peas curry till all the flavors get mingled, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Check the seasonings and add more black salt if required.
You can make this and keep it aside till you prepare the Kulcha. While serving, reheat the matar curry.
Top the matar curry with onions, tomato, ginger, chilies and coriander leaves. Squeeze some lemon juice on top and mix lightly. Serve with hot or warm Kulcha. You can even enjoy the Matar Chaat without the kulcha.
Serve Matar Kulcha in bowls or plates.
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Notes
Remember to use dried white peas which are in their shelf-period. Aged or older dried peas take plenty of time to cook.
Always try to soak the peas overnight or for about 8 hours prior to cooking.
These peas are cooked best in a stovetop pressure cooker or in the Instant pot.
You can increase the spiciness in the dish by adding more green chillies or red chilli powder.
Adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
Instead of black salt, you can use edible rock salt, pink salt or regular salt.