Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of two main components: “chole,” which are spicy chickpeas cooked with aromatic spices, and “bhature,” which are deep-fried bread made from a dough of wheat flour. The dish is often served with accompaniments like pickles, onions, and yogurt-based side dishes.
Chole, the flavorful chickpea curry, is prepared by simmering cooked chickpeas in a rich and spicy tomato-based gravy. The gravy is infused with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, giving it a distinctive and hearty flavor.
Bhature, on the other hand, are soft and fluffy deep-fried bread that pairs wonderfully with the spicy chole. The dough for bhature is typically made by combining wheat flour, yogurt, a bit of oil, and leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. Once the dough is rested, it’s divided into portions, rolled out into circular discs, and deep-fried until they puff up and turn golden brown.
Certainly! Here’s a detailed recipe for Chole Bhature:
Ingredients for Chole (Chickpea Curry):
2 cups dried chickpeas (chole), soaked overnight and drained
2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
2 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed
2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon amchur (dried mango) powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnishing
Ingredients for Bhature (Fried Bread):
2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
1/4 cup semolina (sooji)
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Salt to taste
Water, as needed, to knead the dough
Oil, for deep frying
Instructions:
For Chole (Chickpea Curry):
Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
Add tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the masala for a few minutes.
Add the soaked and drained chickpeas. Mix well with the masala.
Add enough water to cover the chickpeas, and bring to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer until the chickpeas are tender and the curry thickens.
Add garam masala, amchur powder, and adjust salt and spices according to your taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
For Bhature (Fried Bread):
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add yogurt and mix well.
Gradually add water while kneading to form a smooth and soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 2 hours.
Divide the dough into small equal-sized portions and roll them into balls.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
Take a dough ball and roll it out into a circular disc using a rolling pin, making it slightly thick.
Carefully slide the rolled dough into the hot oil and press gently with a slotted spoon. This will help the bhatura to puff up.
Fry until the bhature turns golden brown and puffs up on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with the prepared chole and enjoy!
Tips:
You can serve chole bhature with sliced onions, green chilies, and lemon wedges on the side.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for bhature.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference and enjoy your delicious homemade Chole Bhature!
