Chole Bhature Recipe – Indian Special

This Chole Bhature recipe brings together two iconic North Indian classics: spicy, tangy chickpea curry and deep-fried, fluffy leavened bread. Popular across Delhi and Punjab, this dish is a street food staple and a festive breakfast often served with onions, pickles, and a glass of chilled lassi. Bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, Chole Bhature is the ultimate expression of Indian comfort food indulgence.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time45 min
  • Perform Time1 hr 5 min
  • Total Time2 hr 10 min

Chole Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned)
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2–3 green chilies (optional)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 black tea bag (for dark color, used when boiling chickpeas)

Bhature Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 2 tbsp semolina (sooji/rava) – for light crunch
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Warm water (as needed to knead dough)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp oil (plus more for deep frying)

Prepare the Chole:

1

Soak chickpeas overnight, then pressure cook until soft (or use canned, rinsed).

2

In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, sauté onions until golden.

3

Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until aromatic.

4

Stir in all dry spices and cook for 1 minute.

5

Add tomato puree and green chilies. Cook until oil separates (~8–10 mins).

6

Add boiled chickpeas and about 1 cup water. Simmer for 15–20 mins to let flavors blend.

7

Mash some chickpeas for a thicker gravy. Adjust seasoning.

Make Bhature Dough:

8

Finish with amchur or lemon juice. Garnish with coriander.

9

In a large bowl, mix flour, semolina, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and yogurt.

10

Add warm water gradually and knead into a soft, smooth dough.

11

Add 1 tbsp oil and knead again.

12

Cover and rest for 1.5–2 hours (until slightly risen).

Fry the Bhature:

13

Divide dough into equal balls. Roll each into a 6–7 inch oval or round shape.

14

Heat oil in a deep pan. Test with a small dough piece—it should rise immediately.

15

Fry each bhatura until puffed and golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Serve:

16

Serve hot bhature with spicy chole, sliced onions, lemon wedges, and pickle.

17

Optional sides: lassi, boondi raita, or green chutney.

Recipe Notes :

Chole Shortcut: Use canned chickpeas to cut down cooking time while keeping flavor intact.

Flavor Boost: Add whole spices or a tea bag while boiling chickpeas for a rich, dark color.

Soft Bhature Tip: Rest the dough well and fry in medium-hot oil for perfect puffing.

Make Ahead: Prepare the chickpea curry in advance—flavors deepen and improve overnight.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with boondi raita, green chutney, or a sweet lassi for a complete meal.