Chole Bhature Recipe – Authentic Punjabi Chana Bhatura

Chole Bhature, also known as Chana Bhatura, is a beloved North Indian dish that combines spicy chickpea curry (chole) with deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature). This hearty meal is a staple in Punjabi cuisine and is often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

For Chole (Chana Masala):

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (chana), soaked overnight
• 2 tea bags (for color)
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Bhature:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp semolina (rava)
• 1 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil
• ¼ cup yogurt
• Water as needed
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions

Preparing Chole:

1. Cook Chickpeas: In a pressure cooker, add soaked chickpeas, tea bags, baking soda, salt, and water. Cook for 5 whistles or until chickpeas are soft. Remove tea bags and set aside.
2. Tempering Spices: Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.
3. Sauté Onions and Tomatoes: Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
4. Add Dry Spices: Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Combine Chickpeas: Add cooked chickpeas along with their cooking liquid to the pan. Add kasuri methi and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with bhature.

Preparing Bhature:

1. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, baking soda, salt, and oil. Mix well.
2. Add Yogurt: Add yogurt and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead Dough: Gradually add water and knead into a smooth, soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 2 hours.
4. Roll and Fry: Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a circle. Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry each bhatura until puffed and golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot chole with freshly fried bhature. Accompany with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and a side of yogurt or pickle for added flavor.

Tips

• Soaking Chickpeas: Soak chickpeas overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become soft.
• Tea Bags: Using tea bags while cooking chickpeas imparts a rich color to the curry.
• Resting Dough: Allowing the dough to rest helps in achieving soft and fluffy bhature.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying bhature to achieve puffiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 12g

Chole Bhature is a delightful combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a regular meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the authentic taste of Punjab in the comfort of your home with this easy-to-follow recipe.