How to Cook Chole Bhature Recipe | Chana Bhatura

Chole Bhature is often served with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and a side of pickle. Some variations also include Khatte Aloo (tangy potatoes) on the side, adding another layer of flavor to the meal. A chilled glass of lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, pairs wonderfully with the spicy and rich Chole Bhature.Chole Bhature Recipe is a beloved North Indian dish, a staple in many households, and a popular breakfast choice that has made its way into restaurants and street stalls across India. This classic combination of spicy, tangy chickpea curry (Chole) served with soft, fluffy, and puffy deep-fried bread (Bhature) is a delight to the senses and a meal that promises satisfaction with every bite. Today, I’ll take you through a detailed recipe that captures the essence of Delhi street-style Chole Bhature, a dish that’s sure to bring the vibrant flavors of North India into your home.

What Makes Chole Bhature So Special?

Chole Bhature, also known as Chana Bhatura, is a dish that has captured the hearts of people all over India. The combination of Chole, a spiced chickpea curry, and Bhature, a deep-fried bread, creates a meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly filling. Whether enjoyed at a roadside dhaba (a highway eatery) or at a fine dining restaurant, this dish has a unique appeal that transcends regions and cultures.

But what exactly makes this dish so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Chole is spicy and tangy, infused with a blend of aromatic spices that make it rich and flavorful. The Bhature, on the other hand, is soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, making it the perfect vessel to scoop up the delicious curry.

Understanding the Basics for Chole and Bhature

Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down the two main components of this dish:

1. Chole (Chickpea Curry): Chole is made from chickpeas that are cooked in a spicy and tangy gravy. The flavor profile can vary depending on the region and the cook, but it generally includes a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Some versions are rich and creamy, while others might be on the drier side.
2. Bhature: Bhature is a type of leavened bread made from all-purpose flour (maida) and deep-fried until golden and puffed up. The dough is typically fermented with either yeast or baking soda, which helps the bread to rise and become fluffy when fried.

Difference Between Puri and Bhature

A common question that many have is, “What’s the difference between Puri and Bhature?” While both are types of fried bread, the key difference lies in the ingredients and the method of preparation:

• Puri: Made from whole wheat flour, Puri is smaller in size and usually served with potato curry or other light side dishes. It’s typically made without any leavening agents.
• Bhature: Made from all-purpose flour, Bhature is larger and often leavened with yeast or baking soda, giving it a soft and slightly chewy texture. It’s most commonly served with Chole.

Also Read How to Cook Puri Recipe with Aloo Curry

Tips for Making the Perfect Chole Bhature

Before we get started with the recipe, here are a few tips to ensure your Chole Bhature Recipe turns out perfect:

1. Use Fresh Spices: The key to a flavorful Chole lies in the spices. Freshly ground spices will always give you a more aromatic and robust flavor compared to pre-packaged ones.
2. Cook Chickpeas Well: The chickpeas should be soft and melt-in-the-mouth but not mushy. This requires careful boiling or pressure cooking, and it’s essential for the right texture in the curry.
3. Perfect Bhature Dough: The dough for Bhature should be well-kneaded and allowed to rest for a couple of hours. This resting time allows the dough to rise and makes it easier to roll out.
4. Hot Oil for Frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough before you start frying the Bhature. If the oil is not hot, the Bhature won’t puff up properly and may absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.

The Delhi Street-Style Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature Recipe, Now, let’s dive into the recipe. This step-by-step guide will take you through making the Chole, Bhature, and even the tangy potatoes (Khatte Aloo) that are often served alongside.

Element 1: Homemade Chana Masala Powder

One of the secrets to an authentic-tasting Chole is the masala powder. While you can use store-bought masala, making it at home ensures a fresh and aromatic blend that elevates the dish.

Ingredients:

• Coriander seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Cinnamon sticks
• Cloves
• Black and green cardamoms
• Mace
• Nutmeg
• Dried red chilies
• Bay leaves
• Anardana (dried pomegranate seeds)
• Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Black salt
• Amchur (dried mango powder)
• Turmeric powder
• Ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds on medium-low heat until golden brown and aromatic. Transfer them to a plate.
2. In the same pan, add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, mace, nutmeg, dried chilies, and bay leaves. Roast until fragrant.
3. Dry roast the anardana until crisp, and then the kasoori methi.
4. Let all the roasted spices cool completely.
5. Grind the spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
6. Add the amchur, turmeric, and ground ginger to the powder. Mix well and store in an airtight container.

Element 2: Chole (Chickpea Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon loose tea wrapped in a cloth
• 2 green cardamoms
• 2 black cardamoms
• 4 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 tablespoon chana masala powder (from above)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• Julienned ginger and slit green chilies for garnish

Instructions:

1. Soak the Chickpeas: Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. They will double in size by morning.
2. Boil the Chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add fresh water, the tea bag, and whole spices (cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon). Cook until the chickpeas are soft, but not mushy.
3. Prepare the Chole: Heat ghee in a cast iron pan. Add the boiled chickpeas along with red chili powder, hing, and the homemade chana masala powder. Mix well and let it cook on low heat.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Chole with julienned ginger and slit green chilies. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, and mashing some of the chickpeas to thicken the gravy.

Element 3: Khatte Aloo (Tangy Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 3-4 medium potatoes, boiled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon chana masala powder
• 1 teaspoon amchur
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Shallow Fry the Potatoes: Heat oil in a wide pan and add the cubed potatoes. Fry until they are golden brown on all sides.
2. Toss with Spices: In a bowl, combine the fried potatoes with chana masala powder, amchur, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Toss well to coat the potatoes evenly with the spices.

Element 4: Bhature

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water
• ¼ cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. Add yogurt, ghee, flour, semolina, and salt. Knead into a soft dough.
2. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bhature: Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Roll each ball into an oval or round shape, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
4. Fry the Bhature: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the Bhature one at a time, pressing gently with a slotted spoon to help them puff up. Fry until golden brown and crisp.

Serving and Enjoying Chole Bhature Recipe

Chole Bhature Recipe, To serve, place a portion of Chole on a plate and top it with Khatte Aloo. Serve with freshly fried Bhature, sliced onions, lemon wedges, and a side of pickle. For an authentic experience, pair this meal with a glass of chilled lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink.

Chole Bhature is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. The combination of spicy, tangy, and rich flavors with the soft, fluffy Bhature creates a meal that’s perfect for any time of the day, but especially for a hearty breakfast or brunch on a lazy weekend.

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