It's recipe time! Cook this delicious, North Indian-favorite chole bhature
Chole bhature is a classic North Indian dish relished across the country for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Originating from Punjab, this hearty vegetarian meal has become a staple in Indian cuisine. The spicy chickpeas (chole) paired with fluffy fried bread (bhature) create a delightful combination that's both indulgent and comforting. Ready to savor this culinary delight? Let's get cooking!
Step 1: Gather the following ingredients
Arrange for one cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight, two onions finely chopped, two tomatoes pureed, two green chilies slit, one-inch ginger grated, four cloves of garlic minced, spices including one teaspoon of cumin seeds, two teaspoon coriander powder, one teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, salt, two cups all-purpose flour, half cup yogurt, a pinch of baking soda, and oil for deep frying.
Step 2: Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas
Begin by pressure cooking the soaked chickpeas with salt and water until they're soft. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds until they sputter. Saut onions until golden brown before adding ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Stir in tomato puree and cook until oil separates. Add the cooked chickpeas along with coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Knead the bhatura dough
In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour with yogurt, baking soda and salt. Gradually add water to form a soft dough. Knead well until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about an hour. This resting period allows the gluten to relax making the dough pliable and easy to roll out later.
Step 4: Rolling and frying
Once rested, divide the dough into lemon-sized balls. Roll each ball into an oval shape using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame. When hot enough (a small piece of dough should rise immediately), slide in one bhatura at a time carefully and fry until puffed up and golden brown on both sides.
Step 5: Serving suggestions and enjoyment
Serve piping hot bhature with spicy, aromatic chole garnished with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh cilantro leaves. Accompany this iconic duo with tangy tamarind chutney or fresh raita to balance the spices. Chole Bhature is best enjoyed fresh off the stove for that ultimate burst of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Punjab!
