Chole Bhature Recipe is a hearty and flavorful North Indian dish made with spicy chickpeas (chole) and deep-fried flatbreads (bhature). It’s a popular dish at restaurants and street food stalls, but making it at home can be just as satisfying — if not more! The crispy and puffed bhature paired with spicy, tangy chole makes for a perfect meal to enjoy with family and friends.

This recipe for Chole Bhature brings the authentic taste of Punjabi cuisine straight to your kitchen. Follow these simple steps to make this iconic dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Chole (Chickpeas Curry):

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (chole)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 2 teaspoons chole masala (optional but recommended)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For the Bhature (Fried Flatbread):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Preparation : Learn to Make Chole Bhature Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas (Chole)

• Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water.
• Drain and rinse the chickpeas before cooking.
• In a large pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpeas with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
• Cook for 4-5 whistles or until the chickpeas are soft and tender. Set aside.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Soaked Chickpeas]

Step 2: Make the Chole Curry

• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
• Add pureed tomatoes, green chilies, and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Cooking Chole Masala]

• Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and chole masala (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the cooked chickpeas to the masala and mix well.
• Pour in some water (about 1 cup) to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and set aside.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Chole Cooking]

Step 3: Prepare the Bhature Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
• Add yogurt and mix until the dough comes together.
• Gradually add water to knead the dough into a soft, smooth texture. The dough should not be too sticky.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 1 hour.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Bhature Dough Resting]

Step 4: Roll and Fry the Bhature

• Once the dough has rested, divide it into small balls and roll each ball into a small disc (bhatura) using a rolling pin.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Gently slide the rolled bhature into the hot oil. It should puff up quickly.
• Fry the bhature on both sides until golden and crispy. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Frying Bhature]

Step 5: Serve Chole Bhature

• Serve hot chole with freshly fried bhature. You can garnish the chole with extra coriander leaves.
• For an added touch, serve with a side of onion salad, pickle, and yogurt.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Chole Bhature Served]

Serving Suggestions

• With Onion Salad: A simple side salad made with onions, cucumbers, and a dash of lemon juice complements this dish well.
• With Pickle and Yogurt: A tangy pickle and chilled yogurt help balance the spiciness of the chole.
• With Fresh Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chole for extra zing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chole Bhature

• Soaking Chickpeas: Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for faster cooking and a better texture.
• Frying Bhature: Make sure the oil is hot enough for the bhature to puff up instantly. If the oil is not hot enough, the bhature won’t puff.
• Rest the Dough: Let the bhature dough rest for at least an hour to get soft and airy bhature.
• Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder based on your spice preference.

Variations You Can Try

• Chole Bhature with Aloo: Add boiled potatoes to the chole for extra texture and flavor.
• Chole Bhature with Paneer: For a creamy twist, you can add paneer cubes to the chole.
• Spicy Bhature: Add chili flakes or green chili paste to the dough for spicy bhature.

Chole Bhature is one of those dishes that everyone craves. It’s flavorful, filling, and always brings joy to the table. This authentic Punjabi recipe will make you feel like you’re dining at a restaurant, but from the comfort of your home. So next time you’re craving something indulgent, try making this Chole Bhature and enjoy a true North Indian feast!

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