Chole Bhature Recipe: Traditional Indian Food
Chole Bhature is one of the most famous street and home dishes of India and Pakistan, which is a unique combination of cooked chickpeas and puffed bread called Bhature. This dish is very popular not only for breakfast but also for lunch and dinner, and is known as a complete and nutritious meal. This dish is vegetarian and completely healthy, suitable for vegetarians, and has a delicious taste due to the use of special spices. There are famous dishes such as Lablabi in Arab countries, which are made with chickpeas and have many properties.
What is Chole Bhature?
Chole Bhature has its roots in North India and is especially popular in cities like Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Chickpeas or Chole are cooked with Indian spices, tomatoes, and onions to create a rich taste and pleasant aroma. Bhature, a fried and puffed bread, is made with yeast dough and white flour and is served with Chole. In the past, this dish was mostly prepared in homes and at parties, but today it is also very popular in restaurants and on the streets of India and Pakistan.
Ingredients for Chole (Chickpea Stew): Serves 4
| Dried Chickpeas | 2 cups (soaked for 24 hours) |
| Large Onion | 1 pc (finely chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 2 pcs (chopped) |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (chopped) |
| Fresh Ginger | 1 tsp (grated) |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric | 1/2 tsp |
| Red Chilli | 1/2 tsp |
| Cumin | 1/2 tsp |
| Garam Masala | 1 tsp |
| Salt | As required |
| Fresh Lemon and Coriander | For Garnish |
Ingredients for Bhature for 4
| White Flour | 2 cups |
| Yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | For Dough + Oil for Frying |
How to Make Chole (Chickpea Stew) : Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing Chickpeas
First, soak the dried chickpeas in water for at least 8 to 10 hours until soft. After soaking, cook the chickpeas with a little water and a pinch of salt until they are completely soft. This step makes the chickpeas easier to digest and tastes better.
Step 2: Fry the onions and spices
In a suitable pot, heat two tablespoons of oil and add the chopped onion. Fry the onion until golden and light. Then add the chopped garlic and ginger and fry for about a minute to release their aroma.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and spices
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook over medium heat until they are slightly soft. Then add the dry spices, including turmeric, red chili, cumin, and salt, and mix to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add the cooked chickpeas
Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and add a little water to achieve the desired consistency of gravy. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. You can add a little garam masala at the end to enhance the aroma of the spices.
Bhature Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the yogurt to the dry ingredients and mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough is smooth and smooth. Add a little water if needed.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Place the dough in a covered bowl for 2 hours to rise. This will help the Bhature puff up and become light after frying.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a circle or oval shape with a rolling pin. The ideal thickness is about half a centimeter, so that it is puffy and crispy after frying.
Step 4: Fry the Bhature
Heat the frying oil in a deep pan or wok. Gently drop each piece of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden and puffy on top. Then place it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Chole Bhature Recipe: Traditional Indian Chickpea & Puffed Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Chole (Chickpea Stew)
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Soak chickpeas for 8-10 hours. Cook in water with a pinch of salt until soft.
- Fry Onions & Spices: Heat oil, fry chopped onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger, fry 1 minute.
- Add Tomatoes & Spices: Cook tomatoes until soft. Add turmeric, red chili, cumin, and salt; mix well.
- Add Chickpeas: Combine cooked chickpeas with the mixture, add water for desired gravy consistency. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle garam masala at the end.
- Bhature (Puffed Bread)
- Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add yogurt and knead into smooth dough.
- Rest the Dough: Cover dough and let it rise for 2 hours.
- Shape the Dough: Divide into small balls and roll into circles/ovals (0.5 cm thick).
- Fry the Bhature: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry each piece until golden and puffed. Drain excess oil on paper towel.
Serving the Chole Bhature
First, pour the hot Chole into a serving dish and place the fresh and hot Bhature next to it. For better taste, you can add some fresh lime and chopped coriander to the Chole. This delicious dish is the best choice for a heavy Indian breakfast or lunch and offers a perfect combination of spicy, sour, and crunchy flavors of Bhature.
Golden tips for the best Chole Bhature
Soaking the chickpeas for 24 hours in advance, softening the batter for Bhature, and frying in hot oil are the important tips. Adding a little lime to Chole gives a fresh taste, and using fresh spices multiplies the aroma of the food.
Health Benefits of Chole Bhature for the Body
Chole is a rich source of protein and fiber, and helps in better digestion and lowering cholesterol. The combination of chickpeas and Bhature provides long-lasting energy, and the spices have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Disadvantages of Chole Bhature for the Body
Fried Bhature is high in calories, and its excessive consumption is not suitable for people on a low-calorie diet. Also, people who are sensitive to wheat or have sensitive stomachs should control the amount of consumption.
How to Serve and Store
Chole Bhature can be served with onion rings, lime, and fresh coriander. Bhature is best fresh, and Chole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Chole Bhature is one of the most delicious and popular Indian and Pakistani dishes that offers a combination of stewed chickpeas and puffed bread. With its rich taste, aroma of spices, and attractive appearance, this dish is suitable for parties and family meals. By following the golden tips, you can prepare authentic and traditional Chole Bhature at home and enjoy its true taste.