Black Sesame and Cilantro Kulcha (leavened flat bread)

image
Kulcha is a roasted or pan fried leavened flatbread originally from the Indian subcontinent. It is traditionally baked in clay tandoors but can easily be replicated at home on a nice hot griddle. This here is the pan fried version. There are numerous ways to dress up the Kulcha. You can sprinkle various condiments and spices or even make them stuffed!!!
Found the recipe inspiration here.

Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup yoghurt (room temperature)
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup oil + extra for greasing
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
Cilantro
Black sesame seeds
Ghee/oil/butter for pan frying

image
Procedure
Put the all-purpose flour in a bowl
Add salt, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and combine well. (I use an egg whisk)
Make a well in the center and add the oil and yoghurt mixture.
Gradually, add milk and mix until all the flour comes together to form a soft dough (do not add all the milk at once)
Knead the dough well for 4-5 minutes till soft and smooth
Place the kneaded dough in large bowl and cover it with clean damp kitchen towel
Place the bowl in a warm place for 4-5 hours (I kept it in the oven with the light on for 4-5 hours). Check to see if the dough has risen and become really soft. If not, pop it back for some more time.
Gently knead the dough again for a couple of minutes once the dough is ready.
Divide the dough into equal sized balls depending upon the size of the kulcha (bread) you want to make.
Grease the area where you will be rolling out the kulchas.
Take one ball, flatten it slightly and sprinkle some black sesame seeds and finely chopped cilantro. Gently press the disk with fingers to make sure the toppings stick to the kulcha.
Roll it out to a thickness of about 6-7 mm.

image
Gently place the kulcha on a hot griddle with the topping side up.
You will see the kulcha will start to puff up. Let it cook for around 30-40 seconds.
Drizzle some ghee/oil/butter and gently flip the Kulcha.
Allow it to cook for another 20-30 seconds other side as well.
Take it off the griddle and place it in on a plate and cover with aluminium foil to keep it soft and hot.

Processed with MOLDIV
Serve hot with any gravy of your choice.

SIDE NOTE: I kept aside some dough and made bhaturas and they were perfect!!!!

Leave a Reply