Paneer Kulcha/ Stuffed Kulcha/Paneer Stuffed Kulcha

Paneer Kulcha/ Stuffed Kulcha/ Paneer Stuffed Kulcha

Paneer Kulcha or paneer stuffed flat bread is extremely delicious and filling.  Renowned all over the world as Amritsari Kulcha, Paneer Kulcha or Aloo stuffed kulcha, it is quite easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients.  It can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner with just curd, spicy chole or any Punjabi dish. I have already added the recipe for whole wheat Plain Naan/Kulcha earlier, this Paneer Kulcha is even better. Indian Flat breads like Naan and Kulcha are prepared in Tandoor. However, for home cooks, Tawa, flat pans or ovens are the easy way out.

Kulcha is a flat bread of Indian Origin, and it is slightly different from Naan or Pita bread.  While Pita bread and Naan is mostly made of yeast to leaven the dough, Kulcha is prepared with Baking soda or Baking Powder and does not rise like Naan dough. Besides, Yoghurt, milk etc. are used to prepare the dough. Furthermore, Naan is kind of oval, while Kulcha is round.  Paneer Kulcha or Aloo kulcha is much like Aloo Paratha or Paneer Paratha and can be served with plain curd and pickle. Also, it can be served with Chole, Aloo Gobi, or any other Paneer gravy dish or Non-veg gravy dish like Peshawari Chicken, Chicken Chettinad, Butter chicken, Punjabi chicken, Mutton Curry, Chicken and Potato curry etc.

Since Paneer Kulcha is rich in starch, carbohydrates and protein, it is great for breakfast or for kid’s school lunch as it provides great, lasting energy for their activities. Check these links for nutritious breakfast recipes like Idiyappam, Idli, Neer Dosa, Aval Appam, Matta Ari Puttu, Poori Bhaji, Aloo Paratha, Rava Poori, Vellayappam etc.

It is great to try variety recipes at home and create wonderful family mealtime memories. Each new recipe is welcomed with great enthusiasm and it was really heartening to see my Kulchas disappearing fast. I had a hard time getting some to take the Picture. I am sure, you will enjoy trying out this Paneer Kulcha recipe. Happy cooking!

Ingredients for Paneer Kulcha:

Method:

Mix wheat flour, Maida, salt and Baking soda. To this add curd, oil/ghee, sugar and mix. Slowly add milk and required water to make a soft, smooth dough. Cover it with a wet cloth and keep aside for 2 hours. The dough will not rise, but it will become smoother and softer.

Grate Paneer and add chili powder, salt, finely chopped green chili, Garam masala, Chat masala and finely chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and make small balls. (around 12 – 14 balls).

Next, knead the dough and make medium sized balls. Gently press the dough balls into small thick circular discs. Fill/ Stuff with Paneer balls and seal the edges to make a bigger ball. With your hand, gently press the balls, sprinkle flour and with the help of rolling pin, make round discs like you do for parathas (You can add sesame seeds and coriander leaves to the dough before rolling out).

Heat the pan/ Tawa and place the stuffed Paneer Kulcha. When one side is partly cooked, flip to cook the other side. Sprinkle little ghee and flip again and cook till both sides are slightly browned. Gently press with the spatula to ensure that it is cooked well.

Serve these Paneer Kulcha hot and warm with curd and mango pickle or chole or any gravy of your choice. Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can also prepare Kulcha with Plain Flour only. I have used both wheat flour and Maida to make it healthier.
• Use good quality Paneer for better results.
• Kulcha dough will not rise like Naan or other flat breads.
• Add sesame seeds while rolling out to make it more appealing.
• Paneer kulcha is a great lunch box option for kids and it makes a hearty and nutritious breakfast too.

Hope you like this Paneer Kulcha recipe. Please do put in your comments or share with your friends with the help of buttons on the side. It would definitely encourage me! God Bless!