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Picture golden-brown, pillowy soft bread generously stuffed with a medley of spices, fresh herbs, and potato. The outside glistening and coated in crushed coriander seeds, cilantro and Kashmiri red chili. This Amritsari kulcha recipe is easy, super-aromatic, and has been tested and loved by over 400 recipe testers from all around the world!
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Kulcha is, for real, the perfect delivery system for curry-to-face! It’s great with Punjabi classics like dry bhindi masala, or South Indian subjis such as ridge gourd curry, or North Indian ones like chana masala.
Chur char naan, as Aloo Kulcha from Amritsar is sometimes called, is an easy bread to make at home without needing a tandoor or clay oven. So, tie up your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on this delightful adventure to master the art of crafting the perfect Amritsari Kulcha!
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🥰Why you'll adore this aloo kulcha recipe
🌿 No harm to animals Like all of my vegan Indian recipes, this Punjabi naan recipe is made without animal products, such as butter or ghee. So, it's got no cholesterol and doesn't cause avoidable harm to animals.
🍕 No tandoor oven? No problem! Whip up authentic Amritsari Kulcha in your home oven with a baking stone or pizza steel for that perfect crispy texture—no fancy equipment needed.
🌱 Suddha Sattva: This chur chur naan is a completely sattvic recipe, free from onions and garlic. Like my sattvic chana dal, and biryani, Amritsari Kulcha serves as a delightful choice for bhoga offerings. Even on Ekadasi, or during caturmasya, special bhoga can be offered that we ourselves do not consume. The supreme doesn’t abide by any vrata!
✅ Tested and Approved Worldwide: Like all of the vegan recipes on this site, after perfecting this one, I shared it with a massive team of recipe testers who successfully made it around the globe.
Curry in a Hurry - Vegan Indian Recipe Club! 🍲💌
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🥔 Ingredients for Punjabi Kulcha Naan
Coriander seeds
Coriander seeds add a warm, and slightly nutty flavor to this Amritsari naan recipe. In Indian cuisine, they are commonly used whole, coarsely crushed, as they are here, or fully ground as a spice. If you don't have coriander seeds, you can substitute them with ground coriander powder, or use whole cumin seeds (jeera) in place of the coriander. In Indian cooking, coriander seeds are known as “dhania."
Kashmiri red chili powder
Kashmiri chili powder is a vibrant red spice with a mild to medium level of heat. If you don't have Kashmiri red chili powder, you can use a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper as a substitute. In India, it is known as "Kashmiri lal mirch.”
Active dry yeast
Active dry yeast is a type of yeast that needs to be activated by dissolving it in warm liquid before use. It is used in this recipe to make the dough rise and create a light and airy texture in the breads. If you don't have active dry yeast, you can substitute it with instant yeast using a 1:1 ratio. In India, active dry yeast is commonly referred to as "khameer" or "javitri."
*See the recipe card at the bottom of the page for exact quantities, nutritional info, and detailed cooking directions.
💡Variations
Peshawari Kulcha Bread
This variation from Peshawar is sweet and filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts (like almonds, pistachios, or cashews), and coconut. The sweetness of the filling makes it super yummy to dip into date tamarind chutney, or cilantro mint chutney.
Onion Kulcha Naan
In parts of North India, especially Punjab and Delhi, the bread is filled with a mixture of finely chopped onions, green chilies, and tons of fresh cilantro. The filling is seasoned with spices like cumin, carom seeds, and sometimes a pinch of Madras curry powder.
📖How to make this recipe
Lemme show you step-by-step how to make Aloo Kulcha. Or you can follow along with the easy-to-print recipe card towards the bottom of this page.
Step 1
In a mason jar or small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm (not hot) water. Allow it to rest for about five minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 2
Add the yeast mixture to the flour, salt, and oil and mix everything together by hand until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Step 3
Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for five minutes.
Step 4
Place the tacky kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for one hour or until it doubles in size.
NEXT: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (around 500°F or 260°C) and place a baking stone or steel inside to heat up. Preheating in advance ensures the stone absorbs maximum heat.
Step 5
While the dough is rising, let's prepare the filling. Get your potatoes boiled!
Step 6
In a bowl, mash the drained boiled potatoes along with the chopped cilantro leaves, minced green chili, chaat masala, turmeric, ground cumin, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Step 7
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into eight equal-sized portions and shape them into balls.
Step 8
Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle on a floured surface.
Step 9
Place a portion of the potato filling in the center of the circle.
Step 10
Gather the edges of the circle and pinch them together to seal the filling inside, creating a stuffed ball. Gently flatten the ball and roll it out into a slightly thick 6-7 inch (15-18 cm) kulcha.
Step 11
Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
Step 12
Sprinkle the tops of each kulcha with crushed coriander seeds, chopped cilantro, and a generous sprinkle of Kashmiri red chili powder. Press the seasonings into the surface of the dough gently with your hand or rolling pin to ensure they stick while baking.
Step 13
Once the oven is preheated and the baking surface is hot, carefully transfer the rolled kulchas onto the hot stone or steel. Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puff up. You can use both hands or a lightly floured plate or pizza peel to transfer the dough into the oven.
🍽️Serving Ideas
This aromatic Punjabi aloo naan, pairs wonderfully with a wide array of South and North Indian dishes.
Kulcha is the perfect accompaniment to gourd preparations like olan, parval, or lauki sabji.
Kulcha makes a great alternative to Kerala Parotta for when you are craving something thicker and fluffier to scoop up Arhar Dal Tadka served over fragrant coconut rice.
For festivals or celebrations, include some chaats such as the irresistibly crunchy onion bhaji, masala phool makhana, and shakarkandi chaat made from sweet potatoes with sev and pomegranate seeds.
👉Top tips
🛼 Roll the dough evenly:
While rolling out the soft dough for the kulchas, make sure to roll it out evenly into a circular shape. This will help distribute the filling uniformly and reduce the chances of bursting.
🙅♀️ Don't Overstuff:
Be mindful of the quantity of potato filling you place on the rolled dough. Overfilling can lead to bursting. Start with a moderate amount and adjust according to the size of the kulcha.
🧹 Keep the edges CLEAN:
When placing the filling on the rolled dough, leave some space at the edges. This will allow you to seal the kulcha properly without the filling spilling out.
🤷♀️Recipe FAQs
Store in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze for longer shelf life. Reheat for 7 minutes in the oven, lightly brushed with oil and a sprinkle of water. If frozen, reheat for 15 minutes wrapped in aluminum foil so that the bread doesn't dry out.
The Nizams of Hyderabad had an intriguing connection with kulcha, which became their official insignia on the flag. The Nizams were the hereditary monarchs who governed the region from the early 18th century until India's independence in 1947. The Nizams held significant power and wealth, and Hyderabad was one of India's wealthiest and largest princely states. They belonged to the Asaf Jahi dynasty and played a crucial role in shaping the region's history, culture, and development.
The story begins with the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan Asaf Jah. Legend has it that his spiritual guide, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aurangabadi, offered him seven kulchas tied in a yellow cloth. After eating them, Hazrat Nizamuddin prophesied that Mir Qamar-ud-Din would become king, and his descendants would rule for seven generations. The prophecy came true, and Mir Qamar-ud-Din, as the first Nizam of Hyderabad, adopted the kulcha symbol and the color yellow on his flag to honor the blessing. Interestingly, the dynasty lasted exactly seven generations, and the eighth descendant, Mukarram Jah, lost his inheritance.
To cook the formed kulcha on a tawa or cast iron skillet, follow these instructions:
Heat the tawa or cast iron skillet on medium-high heat for a few minutes until it becomes hot.
Place the rolled kulcha gently onto the hot tawa or skillet and place a lid over the pan. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes or until you see bubbles forming on the surface.
Flip the kulcha using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.
If desired, you can press the kulcha gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and browning.
Once cooked, remove the kulcha from the tawa or skillet and brush it generously with oil while it is still piping hot.
Repeat the process with the remaining rolled kulchas, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
✌️My favey dishes to serve with Punjabi kulcha:
Learn to make your fave pure veg. Punjabi classics in a super-fun recorded cooking class with Chef Adam Sobel!
Punjabi Kulcha Naan
Equipment
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour maida
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil canola oil, or vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 4 teaspoons Sugar
- 2 cups warm water
Filling
- 1 ½ lb. 0.7 kg. Potatoes (about 4 medium russet potatoes), peeled and boiled until fork tender
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro coriander leaves
- 1 minced green chili 4 teaspoons, or to taste
- 2 ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For baking and serving
- Additional oil for rolling the Kulcha
- 2 tablespoons coarsely crushed coriander seeds
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves
- refined coconut oil or olive oil for brushing the cooked Kulcha with
Instructions
- Dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm (not hot) water. Allow it to rest for about five minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour, salt, and oil and mix everything together by hand until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can alternatively use a stand-mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for five minutes.
- Place the tacky kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for one hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. Add chopped cilantro leaves, minced green chili, chaat masala, turmeric, ground cumin, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 500°F or 260°C) and place a baking stone or steel inside to heat up. Preheating well in advance allows the stone to absorb the heat from the oven.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into eight equal-sized portions and shape them into balls.
- Take one dough ball and roll it out into a small circle on a floured surface. Place a portion of the potato filling in the center of the circle.
- Gather the edges of the circle and pinch them together to seal the filling inside, creating a stuffed ball. Gently flatten the ball and roll it out into a slightly thick, 6-7 inch (15-18 cm) kulcha. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls and filling.
- Sprinkle the tops of each kulcha with crushed coriander seeds, chopped cilantro and a generous sprinkle of Kashmiri red chili powder. Press the seasonings into the surface of the dough gently with your hand or rolling pin, so that the seasonings do not come off while baking.
- Once the oven is preheated and the baking surface is hot, carefully transfer the rolled kulchas onto the hot stone or steel. Bake them for 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puff up. You can either transfer the formed kulcha into the oven with both hands or use a very lightly floured plate or pizza peel to transfer the dough into the oven.
- Remove the baked kulchas from the oven and brush them generously with oil while they are still piping hot. Optionally you can garnish them with some fresh raw cilantro leaves, or a sprinkle of garam masala.
- Serve the Amritsari Kulcha with channa, Punjabi dry bhindi, or your favorite curries and subjis.
Notes
- When mixing the dough, keep an eye on the texture. You want it smooth and slightly soft. Too dry and hard to form? Add a dash of water. Too sticky? A sprinkle of flour will help. Knead it just enough – not too much, not too little. Goldilocks would be proud.
- Rolling Magic: Roll out your dough gently. Not too thick, not too thin – aim for a middle ground. You don't want to miss that perfect crisp and soft combo.
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Josephine says
I followed this recipe.
It turned out perfect,my Brother has Pancreatic Cancer stage 4 and is very sick. Everything he eats makes him very sick. I took him 2,he could only eat half of one at a time.
This Bread is the only food that hasn't made him sick.at the moment I am making the same dough,just filling it with a Beef mixture with Cheese and Spinach.
10 out of 10.
Thank you for teaching ❤️ me a new recipe 😋 Love ❤️
Josephine Xx
Adam Sobel says
That is so good of you to be caring for your bro like that. Food, and more importantly, the love and care we put into it can be the best medicine of all. Wishing you and your family all the best. ❤️ -Adam
Meg says
Oh my! What a delight! And incredibly easy with your clear instructions.
I didn’t have any chaat masala but I looked up a recipe for it and sprinkled a bit of this and that to make up for it. The result probably wasn’t as good as it could have been but boy-o was it good. I’ll be going off to get the chaat masala tomorrow!
Thank you yet again Chef Adam for the time and energy you put into this great recipe.