‘Chole Bhature’ is an exotic vegetarian dish of the Punjabi Cuisine. It is one of my family favorite dishes. ‘Chole Bhature’ is a combination of spicy and tangy Chole with crispy and puffed Bhature. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) when cooked slowly with onion, tomatoes, and other spices turns to a rich, delicious, and aromatic curry well-known as Chole, which is served with fried leavened bread called as Bhatura. It is popular as a breakfast, fast food, and even as main meal, as it is a complete meal in itself. Chole Bhature is accompanied with lassi, onions, and carrot or mango pickle. This dish is a must in almost all Indian restaurants and relished by one and all.
Chole Recipe
Ingredients for Chole:
- 1 Cup Cooked Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
- 1 Cup Tomatoes (Mashed or Pureed)
- 1 Onion Finely Chopped
- 1 Tbsp. Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Tsp Chole Masala
- 2 Tsp Red Chili Powder
- 2 Tsp Dried Mango Powder (Amchur)
- ¼ Tsp Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
- 1 Tbsp. Coriander Powder(Dhania)
- 2 Tbsp. Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnishing
Method:
Heat the oil and ghee in a deep pan and add cumin seeds. Once it crackles add the bay leaf. Now add finely chopped onions and saute for 1-2 minutes on medium heat till it changes color. Add ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute. Add the mashed/pureed tomatoes and cook on medium till you see oil leaving the sides. To it add the chole masala, red chili powder, dried mango powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt and 1 cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chickpeas and mix well.Cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Chole is ready to be served. Garnish with some fresh cilantro and onion rings.
Bhatura Recipe
Ingredients for Bhature:
- 2 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour (Maida)
- 1 Tbsp. Semolina (Sooji)
- ½ Cup Plain Yogurt
- 1 Tsp. Sugar
- ¼ Tsp. Baking Powder
- 2 Tbsp. Cooking Oil for the dough
- Oil for frying the Bhaturas.
- Salt
- Water
Method:
In a large bowl, sieve together all-purpose flour, semolina, and baking powder. Now add sugar and salt and mix it well. Add 2 Tbsp. cooking oil and mix it with your palm. Add yogurt and mix well. Knead into firm dough by adding little water if needed. Apply little oil and cover the dough with a wet muslin cloth and leave it to risen for about 2-4 hours. After couple of hours, knead the dough once again. Meanwhile heat the oil in a pan to fry the bhaturas. Now divide the dough into equal portions and give them a shape of a ball. Roll out each of the dough balls into oval or circular shape with a rolling pin.Deep fry the bhatura’s on high heat one at a time till the bhaturas puff up and both sides are slightly golden brown in color. Drain on absorbent paper or kitchen towel. Do not roll the bhatura’s too thin else it will not puff up. Serve hot with Chole.
Relish this mouth-watering Chole Bhature with family and friends.