Chole Bhature

 

Chole Bhature is a famous and popular dish in North India. It is loved by people all across India. The dish is comprised of two main components - Chole, which is a spicy and tangy chickpea curry, and Bhature, which is a deep-fried, fluffy bread made with flour. The chickpea curry, or Chole, is made by cooking boiled chickpeas with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The curry is then simmered with tomato puree, ginger, garlic, and green chillies to create a rich and flavorful gravy. The dish is served with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

Bhature, on the other hand, is a soft and fluffy bread that is made by kneading flour with yogurt and a few other ingredients. The dough is then rolled out into small circles and deep-fried until golden brown. The bread is usually served hot and puffed up, making it a perfect accompaniment to the spicy and flavorful Chole. Chole Bhature is often served as a hearty and filling breakfast or brunch dish. It can also be consumed and enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner. The dish is famous for its bold and spicy flavors, and it is a favorite among street food lovers in India.

Ingredients

• For the chole:

• 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon oil

• For the bhature:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup curd
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

1. To make the chole, rinse the chickpeas in water until the water runs clear. Soak the chickpeas in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the chickpeas and add them to a pressure cooker along with 3 cups of water, 2 bay leaves, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
3. Close the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 5 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the pressure cooker.
4. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Add the chickpeas and their cooking liquid to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
7. Stir in the cilantro and serve hot with the bhature.

To make the bhature:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and add the curd, water, and oil.
3. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
7. Roll out each piece of dough into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
8. Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
9. Fry the bhaturas in batches until golden brown and puffed up.
10. Drain the bhaturas on paper towels and serve hot with the chole.

Calories

• Chole Bhature is a high-calorie dish, with about 1,000 calories per serving.
• If you are watching your calorie intake, you may want to make half-size bhaturas or serve the chole with a side of salad.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a dollop of ghee to the chole gravy.
• If you don't have time to soak the chickpeas overnight, you can quick-soak them by bringing them to a boil in water, then removing them from the heat and letting them sit for 1 hour.
• The bhaturas can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat the bhaturas in a hot oven or toaster oven until warmed through.