Chole Kulche Recipe (Delhi Street Style)

Introduction

Chole Kulche is one of the most popular North Indian street foods, especially famous in Delhi and Punjab. This mouthwatering dish consists of spicy, tangy chickpea curry (chole) served with soft and fluffy kulche (Indian leavened flatbread). Unlike the heavier Chole Bhature, Chole Kulche is lighter yet equally flavorful, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick street-style meal.

The bold spices, fresh herbs, and tangy lemon flavor in chole combined with buttery toasted kulche create an irresistible combination. The best part? You can easily recreate authentic Delhi-style Chole Kulche at home with simple ingredients.

Let’s get started!

Chole Kulche Recipe

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes

Total Time

55 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

For Chole (Spicy Chickpeas)

2 cups dried chickpeas (or 3 cups boiled chickpeas)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
2 green chilies (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
2 teaspoons chole masala
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur) or lemon juice
Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
3–4 cups water

For Kulche

8 ready-made kulche (plain or butter kulche)
2–3 tablespoons butter
Chopped coriander (optional)

How to Make Chole

Step 1: Soak and Boil Chickpeas

Wash and soak dried chickpeas overnight (8–10 hours). Drain the water and pressure cook with fresh water and a little salt for 4–5 whistles until soft. If using canned or pre-boiled chickpeas, skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

Heat oil in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Let them splutter.

Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step builds deep flavor.

Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates from the mixture.

Now add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, chole masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 4: Add Chickpeas

Add the boiled chickpeas and mix well with the masala. Slightly mash some chickpeas using the back of a spoon to thicken the gravy.

Add 2–3 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Let the chole simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. The gravy should be thick, rich, and well blended.

Finally, add garam masala and dry mango powder (or lemon juice). Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Your flavorful chole is ready!

How to Prepare Kulche

Heat a flat tawa or pan.
Apply butter on both sides of the kulche.
Toast until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Sprinkle chopped coriander for extra flavor (optional).

Serve hot with chole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chole Kulche hot with:

Sliced onions
Lemon wedges
Green chutney
Pickled onions

For authentic Delhi street-style taste, top the chole with finely chopped onions, green chilies, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Tips for Perfect Chole Kulche

Soak chickpeas properly for soft texture.
Slightly mash chickpeas to get thick gravy.
Use good quality chole masala for authentic flavor.
Simmer longer for deeper taste.
Add a tea bag while boiling chickpeas for darker color (optional).
Butter-toasted kulche enhance the overall taste.

Variations

Amritsari Chole – Darker and more spicy version.
Dry Chole Kulche – Less gravy, more tangy and street-style.
Paneer Stuffed Kulche – For a richer meal.
Healthy Version – Use whole wheat kulche and less oil.

Storage Tips

Chole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a little water before serving.
Kulche are best served fresh.

Conclusion

Chole Kulche is a flavorful, satisfying, and iconic North Indian street food loved across India. The spicy and tangy chickpeas paired with soft buttery kulche create a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re craving a Delhi-style street snack or planning a family meal, this easy homemade Chole Kulche recipe will never disappoint.

Try this recipe today and enjoy authentic street-style flavors at home!

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