Chole Bhature Recipe: A Spicy and Fluffy Treat
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish loved for its combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and soft, fluffy deep-fried bread (bhature). This hearty and indulgent meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or special occasions. Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, Chole Bhature is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.
Why Chole Bhature?
Chole Bhature is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that combines bold spices, creamy chickpeas, and airy bhature. It’s ideal for festive meals, weekend brunches, or when you’re craving a rich, satisfying meal. Plus, the chole is packed with protein and can easily be made vegan, making it a wholesome choice.
Ingredients for Chole Bhature
For the Chole (Chickpea Curry)
- Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana): 1 cup (soaked overnight or canned)
- Onion: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, pureed
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tbsp
- Green Chilies: 2, slit
- Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander Powder: 1 tsp
- Garam Masala: 1 tsp
- Chole Masala: 1 tbsp (optional)
- Tea Bag: 1 (optional, for color)
- Salt: To taste
- Water: 2 cups
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: For garnish
For the Bhature (Fried Bread)
- All-Purpose Flour (Maida): 2 cups
- Semolina (Sooji): 2 tbsp
- Yogurt: 1/4 cup
- Baking Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Baking Soda: 1/4 tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Water: As needed
- Oil: For deep frying
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chole Bhature
Step 1: Prepare the Chole
- If using dried chickpeas, pressure cook them with 2 cups of water, a tea bag, and a pinch of salt for 4-5 whistles, or until soft. Discard the tea bag. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Let them crackle.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chole masala (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the boiled chickpeas and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adjusting salt as needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 2: Prepare the Bhature
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
- Add yogurt and mix. Gradually add water to knead a soft, smooth dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Roll each ball into a circular or oval shape, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Deep fry each bhature until puffed and golden on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Chole Bhature with pickles, sliced onions, and a wedge of lemon.
- Pair with a refreshing glass of lassi or a cup of masala chai for a complete North Indian meal.
Tips for Perfect Chole Bhature
- Soft Bhature: Rest the dough for at least an hour to ensure soft and fluffy bread.
- Rich Chole: Adding a tea bag while boiling chickpeas gives the curry a deep, rich color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.
- Vegan Option: Substitute yogurt in the bhature with a plant-based alternative.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 8g
Chole Bhature
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker (for chickpeas)
- Deep frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chole
- 1 cup chickpeas soaked overnight or canned
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes pureed
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies slit
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp chole masala optional
- 1 tea bag optional
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Ingredients for Bhature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp semolina
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Water as needed
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Cook chickpeas and prepare the chole curry with aromatic spices.
- Make a soft dough for bhature, let it rest, and deep fry to perfection.
- Serve hot chole with fluffy bhature and enjoy!
Notes
- Leftover chole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Knead the bhature dough well for the best results.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture
Conclusion
Chole Bhature is a timeless dish that never fails to impress. Its combination of hearty chickpea curry and indulgent fried bread makes it perfect for special occasions, festive meals, or weekend indulgence. This recipe brings the authentic taste of North India to your table, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Try it today and enjoy the magic of Chole Bhature!
