Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature). It is a beloved street food and also a staple in many Indian households. The dish is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

To make Chole Bhature, you will need the following ingredients:

For Chole:

- 2 cups of dried chickpeas

- 2 large onions, finely chopped

- 3 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon of garam masala

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons of oil

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Bhature:

- 2 cups of all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup of semolina

- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt

- 1 teaspoon of sugar

- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

- Salt to taste

- Oil for deep frying

Here are the steps to make Chole Bhature:

1. Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight. The next day, drain the water and rinse the chickpeas.

2. In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add the onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

3. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

5. Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

6. Add the soaked chickpeas to the pressure cooker along with 4 cups of water. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 whistles or until the chickpeas are soft and cooked.

7. Once the pressure is released, open the lid and check the consistency of the curry. If it's too thick, add some water to adjust the consistency.

8. Add garam masala and mix well. Let the curry simmer for a few more minutes.

9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

For Bhature:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Knead the mixture into a soft dough using water as needed. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

3. After the resting period, divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into oval or round shapes.

4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in the rolled out dough and fry until it puffs up and turns golden brown on both sides.

5. Remove the fried bhature from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

To serve, plate the hot and fluffy bhature alongside the spicy chole curry. Chole Bhature pairs well with pickled onions, green chutney, or a side of fresh salad. Enjoy this delectable dish as a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch, or indulgent dinner option.

In recent years, Chole Bhature has gained popularity beyond India and can be found in Indian restaurants around the world. Its irresistible combination of flavors and textures has made it a favorite among food enthusiasts and has helped to introduce the rich and diverse cuisine of North India to a global audience.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Chole Bhature is a dish that never fails to delight. Its bold flavors, comforting textures, and rich culinary heritage make it a true standout in the world of Indian cuisine.