Chole Bhature Recipe

Chole Bhature Recipe

Chole Bhature, a typical North Indian dish, is a culinary masterpiece that combines two delectable components - spicy chickpea curry (chole) and bhature. This flavorsome and indulgent dish has won the hearts of people all over India and beyond. The soft and fluffy bhature paired with the aromatic chole curry make for a match made in culinary heaven. In this blog post, we will dive into the rich history, explore the ingredients, and guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this mouthwatering recipe. So, let's embark on a gastronomic journey and learn how to create the perfect chole bhature that will impress your family and friends!

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Brief History

Chole Bhature traces its roots to Punjab, a state in Northern India known for its robust and vibrant cuisine. Punjab's culinary traditions have influenced the entire subcontinent, and chole bhature is one of the most beloved dishes to emerge from this region. The dish is often associated with Punjabi street food culture, where it is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item.

 

The origins of chole bhature can be traced back to the traditional Punjabi cuisine, which is characterized by its bold flavors and extensive use of spices. Over time, this iconic dish has gained immense popularity and has become a staple in Indian restaurants and households worldwide.

 

Ingredients

To prepare a delectable batch of chole bhature, you will need the following ingredients:

 

For Chole (Chickpea Curry): 

2 cups chickpeas (soaked overnight and cooked until tender)

2 medium-sized onions (finely chopped)

2 tomatoes (pureed)

2-3 green chilies (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon chole masala

1 teaspoon dried mango powder (amchur)

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Cooking oil

 

For Bhature : 

2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)

1/4 cup semolina

1/4 cup yogurt

1 teaspoon powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Salt to taste

Water (as needed)

Cooking oil (for deep-frying)

Note: These measurements yield approximately 4 servings.

 

Method of Preparation

 

Chole (Chickpea Curry):

a. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle.

b. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

c. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.

d. Incorporate the tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the oil separates.

e. Add the cooked chickpeas and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

f. Pour enough water to achieve the desired consistency, cover the pan, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

g. Sprinkle garam masala and dried mango powder (amchur). Adjust salt and spices according to taste.

h. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and set aside.

 

Bhature :

a. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

b. Gradually add yogurt and knead the mixture into a soft and pliable dough. If needed, add water sparingly to achieve the desired consistency.

c. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for 2 hours, allowing it to ferment and rise.

d. After resting, divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls.

e. Roll out each ball into a circular shape, ensuring it's not too thin or thick.

f. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai for frying. Ensure the oil is adequately heated before adding the bhature.

g. Gently slide one bhatura into the hot oil and press it lightly with a slotted spoon. This will help it puff up.

h. Fry until the bhature turn golden brown on both sides. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.

i. Remove the bhature from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

 

 

Pre-Cook Time: 8 hours (for soaking the chickpeas overnight)

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 9 hours (including pre-cook time)

 

No. of Servings

This recipe typically serves four people. However, you can easily adjust the quantities to suit your needs. The measurements provided are a guideline, and you can scale them up or down accordingly.

 

FAQs

 

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of soaking and cooking them overnight? 

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas as a time-saving alternative. Rinse them well before using and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

 

Are there any variations of chole bhature?

 Absolutely! Chole bhature is a versatile dish that lends itself to variations. You can experiment with adding ingredients like paneer or potatoes to the chickpea curry for added richness. Additionally, you can infuse different flavors into the bhature dough, such as using whole wheat flour or incorporating fenugreek leaves (methi).

 

Can I make the dough ahead of time? 

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying the bhature.

 

Can I bake the bhature instead of deep-frying them? 

While traditional bhature are deep-fried, you can opt for a healthier alternative by baking them. Brush the rolled bhature with a little oil and bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) until they turn golden brown and puffy.