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.