Authentic Chole Bhature Recipe At Home

About Chole Bhature Recipe

Chole bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry (chole) paired with deep-fried bread (bhature). The (Chole) chickpea curry is made with blend of various spices like cumin coriander turmeric and garam masala cooked with onions tomatoes and gingergarlic paste. It’s simmered until the chickpeas are tender and the flavors are well infused.

Bhature, the fluffy deep fried bread is typically made from a dough of all purpose flour (maida) yogurt baking powder and sometimes a pinch of sugar. The dough is allowed to ferment for a few hours before being rolled into small balls, flattened, and deep fried until they puff up and turn golden brown.

The combination of spicy chole and the soft airy bhature creates a delicious contrast in flavors and textures making it a beloved dish in Indian cuisine often served for breakfast lunch or dinner.

Here’s a simple recipe for making chole (spicy chickpea curry) and bhature (deep-fried bread).

Gallery Chole Bhature

Chole (Spicy Chickpea Curry)

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of cooked chickpeas)

2 onions, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to your spice preference)

1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped

4-5 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1: If using dried chickpeas: Soak them in water overnight. The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Cook them in a pressure cooker with enough water and salt until soft (usually takes about 20-25 minutes after the cooker reaches full pressure).

2: Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

3: Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4: Add chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5: Put in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become mushy.

6: Add all the dry spices – coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the oil separates from the masala.

7: Add the cooked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas along with their liquid). Stir and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed.

8: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Bhature (Deep-fried Bread)

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)

1/2 cup yogurt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt to taste

Oil for deep frying

Water (as needed)

Instructions

1: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Knead the ingredients together into a smooth and soft dough. Use water as required to get the right consistency. Cover the dough and let it rest for 2-3 hours.

2: After the resting period, divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a small disc (around 5-6 inches in diameter) using a rolling pin.

3: Heat oil for deep frying in a pan or wok. The oil should be moderately hot, not smoking.

4: Carefully slide in the rolled-out dough disc into the hot oil. Gently press it with a slotted spoon so that it puffs up. Fry until both sides turn golden brown.

5: Remove the bhatura from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

6: Serve the hot and fluffy bhature with the delicious chole for a flavorful meal!

Tips and Tricks To Make Delicious Chole Bhature

Soaking Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps soften them and reduces cooking time.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your preference for spiciness.

Onion-Tomato Base: Ensure that the onions and tomatoes are well-cooked to form a rich and flavorful base for the chole.

Spice Blending: Toast whole spices like cumin seeds and coriander seeds before grinding them into powders for a more aromatic spice blend.

Yogurt in Bhature: Adding yogurt to the bhature dough enhances its softness and texture. Ensure the dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rest for a few hours for fluffier bhature.

Oil Temperature: Maintain the right oil temperature for frying bhature. The oil should be moderately hot but not smoking, which helps in puffing up the bread.

Portioning Dough: Divide the bhature dough into small, evenly-sized portions for easier rolling and frying.

Draining Excess Oil: After frying the bhature, place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chole with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving. Serve the chole bhature hot for the best taste and texture.

Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy chole bhature with pickled vegetables (achaar), sliced onions, or a side of yogurt for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general overview of the approximate nutritional values for a serving of chole bhature.

Chole (Spicy Chickpea Curry)

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)

Calories: Around 250-300 calories

Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams

Fat: Varies based on cooking method and oil used, typically around 10-15 grams

Carbohydrates: About 30-40 grams

Fiber: Roughly 8-10 grams

Bhature (Deep-fried Bread)

Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 100g)

Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per piece

Protein: Around 5-7 grams

Fat: Varies but generally higher due to frying, typically 10-15 grams or more

Carbohydrates: Roughly 30-40 grams

Fiber: Minimal, usually less than 2 grams

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate estimates and can vary significantly based on the ingredients used, cooking methods, and portion sizes. Adjustments in the recipe, such as using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or reducing oil in cooking, can alter these values. It’s advisable to calculate specific nutritional information based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your preparation for accurate details.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chole Bhature

1. What is chole bhature?

Chole bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry (chole) paired with deep-fried bread (bhature). The chickpea curry is cooked with a blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste. Bhature, the bread, is made from all-purpose flour, yogurt, and deep-fried until it puffs up.

2. How is chole bhature typically served?

Chole bhature is often served together on a plate or in a dish. The hot and spicy chickpea curry is accompanied by the deep-fried, fluffy bhature. It’s commonly garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served with pickled vegetables (achaar), sliced onions, or yogurt.

3. Is chole bhature a vegetarian dish?

Yes, chole bhature is a vegetarian dish. It’s made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans), which are a plant-based protein source, and the bread (bhature) doesn’t contain any meat or animal products.

4. Can I make chole bhature ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare certain elements in advance. The chickpea curry (chole) can be made ahead and refrigerated for a day or two. Bhature dough can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated; however, it’s best to fry them just before serving to retain their freshness and texture.

5. What are some variations of chole bhature?

There are various regional and personal variations of chole bhature. Some recipes might include different spice blends or additional ingredients like amchur (dry mango powder), kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), or ajwain (carom seeds) for added flavors. Additionally, some people might use whole wheat flour or a mix of flours for a healthier version of bhature.

6. Is chole bhature gluten-free?

No, traditional chole bhature made with all-purpose flour (maida) is not gluten-free. However, alternative flours like chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend can be used to make gluten-free versions of bhature.

7. Can I freeze chole bhature?

It’s generally not recommended to freeze chole bhature because the texture of both the chickpea curry and the fried bread may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.