Chole Bhature Recipe Spicy Indian Chickpea Curry With Fried Bread

Delving into the heart of Indian cuisine, one cannot overlook the tantalizing flavors and aromatic spices that define its essence. Among the plethora of culinary delights, Chole Bhature stands out as a beloved favorite, celebrated for its rich taste and comforting warmth. Originating from the vibrant streets of North India, this dish encapsulates the essence of Indian street food culture. Today, we embark on a culinary journey to unravel the secrets behind crafting the perfect Chole Bhature.

Chole (Spicy Chickpea Curry): Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the chickpeas along with enough water to cover them. Cook for about 3-4 whistles until they are tender.
3. Heat oil in a large pan or kadhai. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
5. Add minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for another couple of minutes.
6. Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
7. Add all the dry spices – coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for a minute.
8. Add the cooked chickpeas along with the water in which they were cooked. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
9. Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Bhature (Fried Bread): Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Knead the ingredients into a smooth and soft dough. Add water if needed to adjust the consistency.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 2 hours.
4. After the resting period, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
5. Roll out each ball into a circular shape, similar to a puri but slightly larger in size.
6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
7. Carefully slide in the rolled-out dough and fry until golden brown and puffed up on both sides.
8. Remove from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Presentation: Serve the piping hot Chole alongside the freshly fried Bhature. Garnish the Chole with a sprinkle of chopped coriander leaves and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of flavor. Accompany this delectable dish with some sliced onions, green chilies, and a dollop of tangy pickle for a complete gastronomic experience.