Chole Bhature Recipe

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian recipe that combines spicy chickpea curry (Chole) with crispy deep-fried bread (Bhature). This protein-rich dish is a must-try for those who eat traditional Indian breakfast. Chole Bhature is the flavorful Indian street food and a healthy Indian recipe for special occasion often served with bhature, a type of deep-fried leavened bread. You can also pair chole with poori. This easy Indian recipe is simple to make at home with basic ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare a restaurant-style Chole Bhature in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You Will Need

For Chole (Chickpea Curry):

1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight in water)
2 tomatoes (pureed)
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon oil

For Bhature (Fried Bread):

2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
1/2 cup yogurt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Water (as needed)
Oil (for deep frying)

Chole Bhature Recipe Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Chole for Bhature (Chickpea Curry):

1. Soak and Cook Chickpeas:

Drain the soaked chickpeas (chole) and rinse them with fresh water.
Add the chickpeas to a pressure cooker with water and a little salt.
Cook for about 20 minutes until the chickpeas become soft. If using a regular pot, boil until soft (this may take 45-60 minutes).

2. Prepare the Masala for Chole:

Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and wait for them to start popping.
Add the chopped onions and stir well.
Cook the onions for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown. Keep stirring so they do not burn.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and mix well.
Cook for 1 minute until the raw smell of the ginger-garlic goes away.
Add the tomato puree and mix everything together.
Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
Cook the mixture for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This means the spices are well-cooked and ready for the chickpeas.

3. Cook the Chole

Add the cooked chickpeas to the masala mixture.
Next, pour some water to adjust the consistency of the chole curry.
Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
Add garam masala, mix well, and turn off the heat.

4. Serve the Dish

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Serve hot with Bhature.

Making Bhature (Fried Bread):

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, yogurt, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add water and knead into a soft, smooth dough.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours.

2. Shape and Fry the Bhature:

Divide the dough into small portions.
Roll each portion into a round or oval shape using a rolling pin.
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
Fry one Bhatura at a time, pressing gently with a spatula to help it puff up.
Fry until golden brown on both sides.
Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

3. Serve Chole Bhature:

Serve hot Bhature with spicy Chole.
Enjoy with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and pickles.

Tips for the Best Chole Bhature

You can add a pinch of baking soda while pressure cooking the chickpeas to make them softer.
To enhance flavor, add a teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) to the Chole.
For fluffier Bhature, ensure the dough rests well before frying.

Enjoy your homemade tasty Chole Bhature.