Authentic Amritsari Chole and Kulcha Recipe: The Royal Punjabi Street Food You Can’t Resist

Authentic Amritsari Chole and Kulcha Recipe: Discover the authentic taste of Punjab with our Amritsari Chole and Kulcha recipe — a spicy, flavorful, and soul-satisfying combination straight from the streets of Amritsar. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the spirit of Punjab’s vibrant food culture, it’s Amritsari Chole and Kulcha. Known for its bold flavors, rich spices, and melt-in-the-mouth texture, this iconic duo has traveled from the bustling streets of Amritsar to kitchens around the world. Whether enjoyed at a roadside dhaba or a Sunday brunch, this traditional Punjabi meal is a pure delight for every food lover.

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Authentic Amritsari Chole and Kulcha Recipe: What Makes Amritsari Chole Special?

The star of the plate — Amritsari Chole — is a spicy chickpea curry that’s slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices. Unlike regular chole, the Amritsari version has a deeper, darker color and a smoky flavor that comes from using tea leaves or dried amla while boiling the chickpeas. This gives the dish its signature earthy tone and rich taste.

The masala is made with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a perfect balance of coriander, cumin, garam masala, and red chili powder. The result is a thick, tangy, and aromatic curry that pairs beautifully with soft and crispy kulchas.

The Secret Behind Soft, Fluffy Kulchas

No Amritsari meal is complete without the Kulcha — a soft, leavened bread made from refined flour. Traditionally baked in a tandoor, Amritsari Kulchas are stuffed with spiced potatoes, onions, or paneer, and brushed with butter or ghee before serving. The crispy outer layer and the soft inner texture create a perfect balance of taste and crunch.

You can easily make these Kulchas at home using a simple tawa if you don’t have a tandoor. The key is to let the dough rest well and roll it evenly so it puffs up beautifully when cooked.

Authentic Amritsari Chole and Kulcha Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 4

🫘 Ingredients for Amritsari Chole

For Boiling the Chickpeas:

1. 1 ½ cups kabuli chana (white chickpeas) – soaked overnight
2. 1 black tea bag or 2–3 pieces of dried amla (for color)
3. ½ tsp baking soda
4. Salt – to taste
5. 4 cups water

For Chole Masala:

1. 2 tbsp oil or ghee
2. 1 tsp cumin seeds
3. 2 medium onions, finely chopped
4. 2 tomatoes, pureed
5. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
6. 1 green chili, slit
7. 1 tsp red chili powder
8. 1 tsp coriander powder
9. ½ tsp turmeric powder
10. 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
11. 1 tsp chole masala
12. Salt – to taste
13. 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish

🫓 Ingredients for Kulcha

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
2. ½ tsp baking powder
3. ¼ tsp baking soda
4. 2 tbsp curd (yogurt)
5. 2 tbsp oil or ghee
6. ½ cup warm milk (adjust as needed)
7. Salt – to taste
8. Butter or ghee – for brushing
9. Chopped coriander leaves – for topping

(Optional stuffing: mashed potatoes, onions, or paneer with spices)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Amritsari Chole

1. Boil the Chickpeas
2. Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer to a pressure cooker.
3. Add a tea bag or dried amla, baking soda, salt, and water.
4. Pressure cook for 5–6 whistles until soft. Discard the tea bag or amla once done.
5. Prepare the Masala
6. Heat oil in a pan, and add cumin seeds.
7. Sauté onions until golden brown.
8. Ginger-garlic paste should be cooked until the raw smell disappears.
9. To separate Oil, heat, and Stir in the tomato puree
10. Add the Spices
11. Mix in red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and chole masala.
12. Cook the masala for 2–3 minutes on medium flame.
13. Combine and Simmer
14. Add boiled chickpeas along with a little of their cooking water.
15. Mash a few chickpeas for a thicker consistency.
16. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the curry thickens.
17. Garnish and Serve
18. Sprinkle chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

🔥 How to Make Soft Amritsari Kulcha

1. Prepare the Dough
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, curd, and oil.
3. Gradually add warm milk and knead into a soft dough.
4. Cover and rest for 2 hours.
5. Shape the Kulchas
6. Divide the dough into balls. Flatten each ball, stuff with filling (if using), and roll it gently.
7. Sprinkle coriander leaves and lightly press them into the dough.
8. Cook the Kulchas
9. Heat a tawa or skillet on medium flame.
10. Place the kulcha, cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook the other side.
11. Brush with butter or ghee and serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve Amritsari Chole with freshly baked buttery Kulchas, pickled onions, green chilies, and a wedge of lemon. Pair with a glass of sweet lassi for the ultimate Punjabi experience.

Authentic Amritsari Chole and Kulcha Recipe: How to Serve the Perfect Amritsari Chole Kulcha

For an authentic Punjabi experience, serve Amritsari Chole hot with freshly baked Kulchas, topped with butter and sprinkled with coriander leaves. Add sliced onions, pickled green chilies, and a dash of lemon juice on the side for that extra zing.

In Amritsar, locals often enjoy this dish for breakfast or lunch, accompanied by a glass of lassi or buttermilk — making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Health Benefits and Variations

Though it’s an indulgent dish, Amritsari Chole and Kulcha can also be part of a balanced diet. Chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and iron, making them a great vegetarian source of nutrition. You can adjust the spice level and use whole wheat flour for the kulcha to make a healthier version.

For variety, pair the chole with jeera rice or serve it alongside bhature for another famous North Indian twist.

Cultural and Culinary Significance

Amritsari Chole Kulcha isn’t just food — it’s a cultural identity of Punjab. Every corner of Amritsar, from Lawrence Road to Hall Bazaar, is filled with eateries serving their unique take on this classic dish. It’s a symbol of Punjabi hospitality, warmth, and love for hearty, flavorful meals.

The aroma of roasted spices, the sizzling sound of kulchas on the tawa, and the burst of tangy flavors in every bite make it a meal you’ll remember long after the plate is empty.

Conclusion

If you want to experience the true taste of Punjab, Amritsari Chole and Kulcha are a must-try. Whether you’re cooking for a family get-together or simply craving authentic Indian flavors, this dish promises comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite.

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Bring the taste of Amritsar to your kitchen today — and let your senses feast on this timeless Punjabi favorite!