Chana Kulcha Recipe | Amritsari Chole with Soft Kulcha Bread

If you’re craving flavorful Indian street food, there’s nothing more satisfying than a plate of Chana Kulcha—a delicious combination of spicy Amritsari chole (chickpea curry) and soft, fluffy Punjabi kulchas. This Chana Kulcha recipe is a North Indian classic, widely popular in Delhi, Amritsar, and other parts of Punjab.

Often served as a popular breakfast, lunch, or brunch street-style dish, Chana Kulcha is made from boiled white chickpeas simmered in a fragrant blend of Indian spices and served with buttery, tandoor-style kulchas.

🛒 Ingredients for Chana Kulcha

For the Chana (Chickpea Curry):

• White chickpeas (chole) – 1 cup (soaked overnight)

• Onion – 1 large (finely chopped)

• Tomato – 2 medium (pureed)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp

• Green chili – 1 (optional, finely chopped)

• Chana masala – 1½ tsp

• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

• Red chili powder – ½ tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Dry mango powder (amchur) – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp

• Fresh coriander leaves – handful (chopped)

• Lemon wedges – for garnish

For the Kulcha Bread:

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups

• Baking powder – 1 tsp

• Baking soda – ¼ tsp

• Yogurt – ½ cup

• Milk – ¼ cup

• Sugar – 1 tsp

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Butter – for brushing

• Nigella seeds (kalonji) – 1 tsp (optional)

• Coriander leaves – for garnish

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas (Chana)

1. Soak 1 cup of white chickpeas overnight or for 6–8 hours.

2. Pressure cook the chickpeas with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt for 5–6 whistles or until soft.

3. Drain and set aside, but reserve the water for the curry base.

✅ Step 2: Make the Chana Masala

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili, sauté for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.

5. Add turmeric, red chili powder, chana masala, salt, and garam masala. Mix well.

6. Add boiled chickpeas and mix everything. Pour in ½–1 cup reserved chickpea water.

7. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes.

8. Finish with dry mango powder, chopped coriander, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

🔥 This is your authentic Amritsari chole base. Rich in flavor and perfect for kulchas!

✅ Step 3: Prepare the Kulcha Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.

2. Add yogurt, milk, and oil. Mix into a soft dough.

3. Knead well for 5–6 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 2 hours.

✅ Step 4: Make and Cook Kulchas

1. After resting, divide the dough into equal balls.

2. Roll each ball into a round or oval shape.

3. Sprinkle kalonji and chopped coriander on top and press lightly.

4. Heat a tawa or skillet. Cook the kulcha on one side until bubbles appear.

5. Flip and cook both sides until golden brown.

6. Brush with butter before serving.

😍 Soft, fluffy, tandoori-style kulchas without yeast, perfect to pair with chana!

🥳 When to Serve Chana Kulcha

🧠 Pro Tips for Best Chana Kulcha

• Add a tea bag while boiling chickpeas for darker, richer chole.

• Add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) to aid digestion.

• You can also use canned chickpeas for a quicker version.

• The kulcha dough can be made ahead and stored for 24 hours in the fridge.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving: 1 kulcha + ½ cup chana)

✅ A great high-protein vegetarian meal, especially for those avoiding meat and eggs.

FAQs About Chana Kulcha

Q1: Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes, just rinse and boil them for 10 minutes to soften and proceed with the recipe.

Q2: Can kulchas be made without yeast?

Absolutely! This recipe uses baking powder and baking soda for softness.

Q3: What’s the difference between naan and kulcha?

Kulcha is typically made without yeast and is softer and fluffier than naan.

✅ Interesting Facts

This Chana Kulcha recipe is the ultimate comfort food from the streets of North India—delicious, filling, and easy to make at home. With protein-rich chickpeas and buttery soft kulchas, this dish is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an authentic Indian street food experience in their kitchen.