Chole Bhature is a delightful concoction of spicy, tangy, and crispy tastes from North India. This iconic street food is loved by millions of food eaters all over the world. As it’s very filling and indulgent, this meal of spicy chickpeas (chole) and deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature) is a combination that many people enjoy. If you’ve been craving making chole bhature at home, here’s a complete guide to making chole bhature from scratch!
Ingredients for Chole (Chickpeas)
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-2 black cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon tea leaves (for color)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons oil
Ingredients for Bhature (Fried Bread)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Warm water, as needed
- Oil, for deep frying
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chickpeas (Chole)
- Soak the Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight. If you’re using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them well.
- Cook the Chickpeas: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpeas with enough water to cover them. Add a pinch of salt and a tea bag (or tea leaves tied in a muslin cloth) to give the chole a rich color. Cook for about 6-7 whistles or until the chickpeas are tender. Discard the tea bag once cooked.
- Make the Chole Gravy: Heat oil in a pan, and add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and black cardamom. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and sauté for another 2 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes and cook until they soften.
- Add the dry spices—coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala—and cook the mixture until the oil separates.
- Now, add the cooked chickpeas and some of the chickpea cooking liquid to the pan. Simmer the gravy for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Bhature
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add yogurt and warm water, little by little, and knead into a smooth, soft dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
- Roll the Bhature: After resting, divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a flat, round disc, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Ensure the bhature is not too thin.
- Fry the Bhature: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. Once the oil is hot, gently slide the rolled dough into the oil. Press lightly with a spoon to help it puff up. Flip the bhature and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the bhature from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving the Chole Bhature
Enjoy the hot and crispy bhature with a generous spoonful of spicy and flavorful chole. With pickles, yogurt, a side of salad, etc., you can serve it for the same flavor. If it’s chilly, pairing it up with a glass of chilled lassi (a traditional yogurt-based drink) is the perfect way to indulge in this hearty meal.
Tips for Perfect Chole Bhature
- For softer bhature: Let the dough rest for longer; this helps in making them fluffier.
- Tea Bag for Color: Using a tea bag while cooking the chickpeas gives them a darker color, but it’s optional.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spices in the chole gravy according to your preferred spice level. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for extra tanginess.
Conclusion
Chole Bhature is the perfect celebration of Indian flavors, and with this easy recipe, you can whip this iconic dish up at home. This Chole Bhature is definitely good enough to impress your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more! Whether it’s a family meal or a special occasion. Happy cooking!
