How to Make Chole Bhature: A Delicious Indian Classic 🍛🍞
Chole Bhature is a beloved and iconic North Indian dish, known for its flavorful and spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with soft, fried bread (bhature). This combination makes it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish right at home!
Ingredients for Chole (Chickpeas Curry):
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1 ½ cups chickpeas (soaked overnight) 🍛
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2 medium onions (chopped) 🧅
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2 tomatoes (chopped) 🍅
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1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 🧄
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1 teaspoon turmeric powder 🟡
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1 ½ teaspoons coriander powder 🌿
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1 teaspoon cumin powder 🌿
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1 teaspoon red chili powder 🌶️
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1 teaspoon garam masala 🧆
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1 tablespoon amchur powder (optional, for a tangy flavor) 🍋
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1 tablespoon sugar 🍬
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2 tablespoons oil 🍳
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Salt to taste 🧂
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1 bay leaf 🍃
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1 teaspoon cumin seeds 🌿
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1 ½ cups water 💧
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Fresh cilantro (for garnish) 🌿
Ingredients for Bhature (Fried Bread):
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2 cups all-purpose flour (maida) 🍞
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1 tablespoon semolina (suji, for crispiness) 🌾
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½ teaspoon baking soda 🧂
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1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
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½ teaspoon salt 🧂
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2 tablespoons yogurt (for softness) 🍶
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1 tablespoon oil (to mix in the dough) 🛢️
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Warm water (for kneading) 💧
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Oil for frying 🛢️
Instructions for Chole (Chickpeas Curry):
1. Preparing the Chickpeas:
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First, wash and soak the chickpeas in water for 4-5 hours (or overnight for best results). 🌙💧
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After soaking, cook the chickpeas in a pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles or in a regular pot until soft. Drain any excess water. 🍲
2. Making the Masala:
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Heat oil in a pan, add bay leaf and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. 🧅
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Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts separating. 🍅
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Now, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and amchur powder (if using). Mix well and cook the masala. 🌶️
3. Cooking the Chickpeas:
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Add the boiled chickpeas along with water, and cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. 🍛
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Add salt and sugar, and let the curry simmer for a few more minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro. 🌿
Instructions for Bhature (Fried Bread):
1. Preparing the Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, semolina, baking soda, sugar, and salt. 🥄
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Add yogurt and oil, and mix everything well. Gradually add warm water and knead the dough until soft and smooth. 🍞
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Cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour. ⏳
2. Shaping the Bhature:
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After 1 hour, divide the dough into small balls. 🏐
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Roll each ball into a round or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. 🥖
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Heat oil in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the bhature until golden brown and puffed up. 🛢️🍞
Serving:
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Serve the hot Chole with freshly fried Bhature. You can garnish with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro. 🍽️
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It pairs perfectly with a side of raita or cucumber salad for a complete meal. 🥒
Tips for Perfect Chole Bhature:
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For the Chole: You can add extra garam masala or amchur powder for a more flavorful and tangy curry.
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For the Bhature: If you add yogurt to the dough, it will make the bhature soft and light.
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When Frying: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying, so the bhature puff up and turn golden without soaking too much oil.