Paneer Kulcha Recipe: Cottage Cheese Stuffed Leavened Flatbread
Paneer Kulcha, a delightful North Indian delicacy, is a soft and fluffy flatbread stuffed with spiced cottage cheese. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this dish beautifully complements a variety of curries, making it a staple in Indian households. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring your kulchas are a hit at your next meal.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1 tablespoon |
Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Baking Soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | For sprinkling |
Butter (melted) | To brush |
Sunflower Oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
Green Chilli (chopped) | 1 |
Onions (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1 cup |
Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 400 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
Sugars | 2 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Preparation Time
Activity | Time |
---|---|
Preparation | 40 minutes |
Cooking | 30 minutes |
Total | 70 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 2 |

Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sooji and yogurt, mixing well before letting it rest for about ten minutes. This allows the sooji to absorb moisture, which is crucial for achieving a soft dough. After the resting period, add the all-purpose flour (maida), sunflower oil, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough that should be firm yet supple to touch. Once achieved, cover the dough with a lid and refrigerate for two hours. This refrigeration will aid in leavening, resulting in a softer kulcha. -
Make the Stuffing
While the dough is resting, prepare the paneer filling. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of sunflower oil. Once warmed, add the chopped onions and green chilies, sautéing them until the onions are translucent and tender. Incorporate the crumbled paneer, cumin powder, and salt, mixing well. Cook the filling for an additional two minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. -
Shape the Kulchas
After two hours, retrieve the dough from the refrigerator. Divide the dough into equal portions, shaping each into golf ball-sized balls. Take one portion and roll it into a small circle, roughly 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the cooled paneer filling in the center of the rolled circle. Gently gather the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal it securely, ensuring there are no air pockets within. -
Roll Out the Stuffed Dough
Carefully press the stuffed dough ball into a thick disc without adding too much flour, which can make the kulcha tough. Once shaped, lightly sprinkle some water over the top and then sprinkle kalonji seeds, pressing them down gently to adhere. -
Cook the Kulchas
Preheat a tava (griddle) over medium-high heat. Place the kulcha on the hot tava and cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface, which typically takes about one to two minutes. Apply a little melted butter or oil on top, then flip it over to cook the other side, allowing it to brown nicely. You can repeat the process, applying additional ghee, butter, or oil until the kulcha develops a lovely golden-brown hue with some brown spots. -
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot Paneer Kulcha with a side of Tandoori Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry or Dhabewali Dal, accompanied by a refreshing Carrot, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad dressed with lemon and coriander. This combination makes for a delicious and wholesome meal, perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Paneer Kulcha is not just a flatbread; it’s a heartwarming addition to your dinner table, filled with flavors that are sure to please everyone. Enjoy the process of making this culinary delight, and relish the moments spent with family and friends around the dining table. Happy cooking!