Chole Bhature

chole_bhature

Indian cuisine is rich in taste, spices, and flavours. It offers a variety of traditional dishes that lure people from all over the world. One such dish is ‘Chole Bhature’. It is a popular North Indian breakfast or brunch meal that is savoured by most Indians. This vegetarian delicacy has a distinct aroma and taste that leaves you spellbound. The combination of tangy chickpeas (chole) and fried bread (bhature) is undoubtedly a match made in heaven.

Chole Bhature is a comfort food that is relished by people from all age groups. This dish is especially popular in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, where it is an everyday meal. Moreover, it is served in most roadside stalls and restaurants, making it accessible to everyone. The dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes as the sight of soft and fluffy bhature alongside the spicy and flavorful chole is a treat to watch.

The dish has its roots in Punjab, where it was primarily eaten during winters. The cold climate made it a perfect meal as the hot and spicy chole provided warmth to the body. The dish has come a long way since then and is now a staple food in most Indian households. The recipe has also evolved over the years as people experimented with ingredients and spices to create their own unique version of the dish.

The main ingredient of Chole Bhature is chickpeas, which are boiled and cooked in a delectable tomato and onion gravy, seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder. The gravy is tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it an explosion of flavours in your mouth. The Bhature, on the other hand, is a deep-fried bread that is made using refined flour, curd, and baking soda. It has a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making it a perfect companion to the chole.

This dish is not just a breakfast or brunch meal but can also be served as a lunch or dinner meal. It can be paired with steaming hot rice or naan bread to create a wholesome meal. Moreover, it is an excellent option for parties or gatherings, where it can be served as a appetizer or a main course.

In conclusion, Chole Bhature is a mouthwatering Indian delicacy that has earned its place in the hearts of millions of people. The combination of tangy chickpeas and fluffy bread is a match made in heaven. The dish has evolved over the years and has become a staple food in most households. It is a comfort food that is savored by people of all ages and is an excellent option for a wholesome meal. So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in the aromatic flavors of Chole Bhature.

Ingredients:

For Chole:

  • 2 cups chickpeas
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • salt to taste
  • water as required

For Bhature:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • water as required

Method:

  1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight.

  2. In a pressure cooker, add chickpeas, 1 tsp salt, and enough water to cover the chickpeas. Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or until the chickpeas are soft and tender. Keep it aside.

  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let it splutter.

  4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

  5. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

  6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.

  7. Add all the dry spices – coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix well.

  8. Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan along with 1-2 cups of water as required. Add salt to taste.

  9. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the gravy thickens.

For Bhature:

  1. In a mixing bowl, add all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

  2. Add yogurt and oil to the mixing bowl and mix well.

  3. Add water as required to make a soft dough. Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes.

  4. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  5. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls and flatten them using a rolling pin.

  6. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.

  7. Carefully place the flattened dough into the hot oil. Gently press the bhature with a ladle to puff it up.

  8. Fry until the bhature is golden brown and crispy.

Serve the Chole hot with Bhature and enjoy!