Chole Bhature: A Complete Guide

Chole Bhature is a popular dish from the Indian state of Punjab. It is a combination of chana masala (spicy white chickpeas) and bhatura/puri, a deep-fried bread made from maida. Chole Bhature is often eaten as a breakfast dish, sometimes accompanied with lassi.

History of Chole Bhature

The exact origin of Chole Bhature is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the Punjab region of India in the early 20th century. It is said that the dish was first created by street vendors who were looking for a cheap and filling meal to sell to their customers.

Chole Bhature Ingredients

Chole Bhature is made with the following ingredients:

Chickpeas
Onions
Tomatoes
Ginger-garlic paste
Chole masala powder
Red chili powder
Turmeric powder
Garam masala powder
Salt
Oil
Yogurt

For the bhatura, the following ingredients are used:

All-purpose flour (maida)
Yogurt
Salt
Oil

How to Make Chole Bhature

To make Chole Bhature, follow these steps:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in water.
2. The next day, drain the chickpeas and pressure cook them until tender.
3. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add the onions. Saute until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
5. Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
6. Add the chole masala powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well.
7. Add the cooked chickpeas and yogurt. Mix well.
8. Add salt to taste.
9. Cover the pan and cook the chole on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.

To make the bhatura, follow these steps:

1. In a bowl, combine the maida, yogurt, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add enough water to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
6. Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle.
7. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.
8. Fry the bhatura in the hot oil until it is golden brown and crispy on both sides.
   
   Serving Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is typically served hot with a side of onions, pickled lemons, and yogurt. It can also be served with lassi or aam panna (raw mango drink).

Health Benefits of Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a good source of protein and fiber. Chickpeas are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and potassium. However, it is important to note that Chole Bhature is also high in calories and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Tips for Making Chole Bhature

For the best results, use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas.
To make the chole more flavorful, add a few tea bags of black tea to the cooking water.
If you want a spicier chole, add more red chili powder.
To make the bhatura more fluffy, add a teaspoon of baking powder to the dough.
To make the bhature less oily, deep fry them in a small amount of oil.

Conclusion

Chole Bhature is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.