Chole Bhature: The Perfect Dish for Indian Food Lovers

Chole Bhature is a popular and delicious Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. Chole is a spicy, tangy chickpea curry, while Bhature is a puffy, deep-fried bread made with all-purpose flour. Together, they make for an irresistible and filling meal that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this classic dish with an easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chole Bhature for 4 portions:

For the Chole:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

For the Bhature:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• Water as needed

Cooking Steps

Making the Chole:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
4. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for a minute.
5. Add the chickpeas along with their liquid. Add salt to taste and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve hot with Bhature.

Making the Bhature:

1. Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and oil in a bowl.
2. Add yogurt and mix well.
3. Slowly add water and knead until you have a smooth dough.
4. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into small balls and roll out into circles.
6. Heat oil in a pan and fry the Bhature until they turn golden brown.
7. Serve hot with Chole.

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Version:

To make this dish vegetarian/vegan, simply omit the yogurt from the Bhature recipe and replace it with water or non-dairy yogurt. You can also substitute the ghee or butter used for frying with vegetable oil.

Gluten-Free Version:

To make this dish gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour of your choice. You can use chickpea flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Spicy Version:

If you like your food spicy, you can adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala powder used in the Chole recipe. You can also add chopped green chilies or red pepper flakes to the Bhature dough for an extra kick of heat.

Conclusion

Chole Bhature is a classic Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can make this delicious and filling meal at home in no time. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-eater, you’re sure to love this spicy and flavorful dish. So why not give it a try?

FAQ

What is Chole Bhature?

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish made from spicy chickpeas (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature).

What are the main ingredients for Chole Bhature?

The main ingredients for Chole Bhature are chickpeas, wheat flour, all-purpose flour, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and a variety of spices.

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas for this recipe, but we recommend using dried chickpeas for better texture and taste.

How long do I need to soak the chickpeas?

We recommend soaking the chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours, to ensure they cook evenly and have a smooth texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the bhature?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the bhature healthier, but the texture and taste may be slightly different.

Can I make the dough for the bhature ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough for the bhature ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying the bhature?

To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

Can I freeze the leftover chole and bhature?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover chole and bhature separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

What can I serve with Chole Bhature?

Chole Bhature is traditionally served with pickled onions, green chilies, and a side of yogurt or raita.

How spicy is Chole Bhature?

Chole Bhature is a spicy dish, but you can adjust the amount of green chilies and spices to your taste preferences.

Can I make Chole Bhature without onion and garlic?

Yes, you can make Chole Bhature without onion and garlic by omitting them or using substitutes like asafoetida or ginger. However, the taste may be slightly different.