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Chole Bhature Recipe: A Classic Punjabi Delight
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Chole Bhature Recipe: A Classic Punjabi Delight

Recipe by Healthy BiteCuisine: Indian, North Indian
Servings

4

Prep time

20 minutes

Cooking time

45 minutes

Calories

450

Serving Size

1 plate (1-2 bhature with chole)

Net Carbs

55g per serving (approximate)

Chole Bhature is a beloved North Indian dish that combines spicy chickpeas (chole) with deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature). It's a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will bring the authentic taste of Punjab to your plate. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) or 2 cups canned chickpeas

  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped

  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed

  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

  • 2 green chilies, slit

  • 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 black cardamom

  • 2-3 cloves

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder1 teaspoon red chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1 teaspoon chole masala (optional)

  • Salt to taste

  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)

  • 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji)

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt

  • 1/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

  • 1 tablespoon oil

  • Oil for deep frying

Directions

  • Preparing the Chole:

    • Cook the Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, drain the soaked chickpeas and pressure cook them with 3 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and a tea bag (optional, for color) until soft (about 6-7 whistles). If using canned chickpeas, rinse and set aside.
    • Prepare the Masala: Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, black cardamom, and cloves. Sauté until aromatic.
    • Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for another minute.
    • Add Tomatoes and Spices: Mix in the tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
    • Combine with Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas along with 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, mashing a few chickpeas for a thicker gravy.
    • Finish with Spices: Stir in garam masala and chole masala (if using). Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

  • Preparing the Bhature:

    • Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, semolina, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add yogurt and oil, then gradually add warm water to knead a soft, smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
    • Shape the Bhature: Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.
    • Fry the Bhature: Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry each bhatura one at a time, pressing gently with a slotted spoon to help it puff up. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

    Tips & Variations

    1. For a Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the bhature.
    2. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.
    3. Serving Suggestions: Serve Chole Bhature with pickled onions, green chutney, and a side of yogurt.
    4. Make It Vegan: Replace yogurt in the bhature dough with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt.

    Dietary Advice

    1. Chole Bhature is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it is also calorie-dense and high in carbohydrates due to the fried bhature and spiced chickpeas. Here are some dietary considerations and tips to make it a healthier option:
      1. Balance Your Meal:
        Pair Chole Bhature with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to add fiber and balance the meal. This aligns with general dietary guidelines that emphasize including vegetables in every meal 
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      2. Portion Control:
        Stick to one bhatura per serving and a moderate portion of chole to avoid overeating, as the dish is rich in calories and carbs.
      3. Healthier Cooking Alternatives:
        • Replace all-purpose flour (maida) in the bhature with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
        • Instead of deep-frying, try baking or air-frying the bhature to reduce fat content.
      4. Reduce Sodium and Oil:
        Use less salt and oil in the preparation of chole to make it heart-healthier. Excess sodium and fat can contribute to chronic health issues.
      5. Protein Boost:
        Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, but you can enhance the protein content by adding a side of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of roasted nuts 
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      6. Dietary Adjustments for Special Needs:
        • For diabetics, reduce the portion size of bhature and focus more on the chole, as the high-carb bhature can spike blood sugar levels.
        • For vegans, ensure the bhature dough is made without yogurt or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
      7. Occasional Treat:
        Due to its high calorie and fat content, Chole Bhature is best enjoyed occasionally rather than as a regular meal.
      By making small adjustments and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy this flavorful dish while staying aligned with healthy eating guidelines.

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