Chole Bhature: Recipe

If there’s one thing that can instantly transport you to the vibrant streets of India, it’s the tantalizing aroma and the mouthwatering taste of Chole Bhature. This delectable dish is a beloved staple in Indian cuisine, known for its combination of fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature) and a spicy chickpea curry (chole). Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, making Chole Bhature at home is an achievable feat that promises to tantalize your taste buds. So, let’s embark on a flavorful journey and uncover the secrets to crafting this iconic dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Bhature (Fried Bread):

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

For the Chole (Chickpea Curry):

2 cups chickpeas (chole), soaked overnight
2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon coriander powder (dhania)
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt (to taste)
2 tablespoons cooking oil
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Total Preparation Time: approximately 2 hours

Preparation Steps:

For the Bhature:

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
Add Yogurt: Add the yogurt to the dry ingredients and mix well. This will form a crumbly mixture.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth and soft dough. You may need approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry.
Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 2 hours. This allows it to ferment and develop a nice flavor.
Divide and Shape: After the resting period, divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to make them smooth.
Roll the Bhature: Heat the oil for frying in a deep pan or a kadai over medium-high heat. Take one dough ball and roll it out into a circular shape with a rolling pin. The thickness should be similar to that of a puri, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
Fry the Bhature: Carefully slide the rolled bhatura into the hot oil. Press it gently with a spatula to make it puff up. Fry until it turns golden brown on both sides. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.

For the Chole:

Cook Chickpeas: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them. Pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or until they are soft and tender. Alternatively, you can boil them in a regular pot for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Prepare the Gravy: In a separate pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
Add Spices: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
Tomatoes and Spices: Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This may take around 10-15 minutes.
Spice it Up: Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the spice mixture along with some water (about 1-2 cups). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garam Masala: Finally, sprinkle in the garam masala and stir. Adjust salt and spice levels to your preference.

Serving Your Chole Bhature:

Place a couple of hot and puffed bhature on a plate, along with a generous serving of the chole. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with lemon wedges for that extra zing. Don’t forget to savor the flavors of India by enjoying this dish with some pickles and yogurt on the side.

Final Thoughts:

Chole Bhature is not just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that explores the rich and diverse flavors of India. With a little time and effort, you can recreate this beloved classic in your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a weekend treat, the satisfaction of making Chole Bhature from scratch is unparalleled. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to relish a taste of India that will leave you craving for more. Happy cooking!

Chole Bhature recipe(youtube)-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU1ZVLMbWjA