Vibrantly painted three-wheeler vehicle outside a building in Amritsar, India. Traditional Punjabi style.

Easy Recipe for Punjabi Chole Bhature at Home

Introduction:

Punjabi food is known for its rich flavors, spicy gravies, and hearty meals.. The recipe for Punjabi Chole Bhature is one of the most well-known and cherished street snacks in India. This dish, which combines spicy chickpeas (chole) with deep-fried fluffy bread (bhature), is a favourite among people of all ages and geographical locations.

Whether you’re craving a weekend treat, planning a special meal, or just want to indulge in authentic Punjabi flavors, this detailed Punjabi Chole Bhature recipe will guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive into this delicious journey!

What is Punjabi Chole Bhature?

Punjabi chole bhature

Chole Bhature is a traditional North Indian dish originating from the Punjabi region. It includes two main components:

  • Chole: A spicy and tangy chickpea curry made using a blend of aromatic spices.
  • Bhature: Soft, fluffy, and crispy deep-fried bread made from all-purpose flour.

When combined, they produce a mouthwatering explosion of flavour that epitomises Punjabi cuisine. The Punjabi Chole Bhature recipe from Punjab is well-known for its beautiful puffed bread, thick gravy, and strong spices.

Ingredients Required for Punjabi Chole Bhature

Punjabi chole bhature

Before we start cooking, let’s look at the list of ingredients needed to make this Punjabi Chole Bhature recipie at home.

For Chole (Chickpea Curry):

  • 500 gm white chickpeas (kabuli chana) – soaked overnight
  • 2 Laddles oil
  • 2 large onions – finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds whole (Jeera sabut)
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 250 gm tomato – pureed
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder (Dhaniya powder)
  • 2 tbsp chana masala
  • 1/4 tsp red chilly powder
  • Salt as per taste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1½ tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves – chopped (for garnish)

For Bhature:

  • 1 kg all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1 tbsp kasuri methi
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Warm water (as needed)
  • Oil for deep frying

Make a dough and let it rest for at least 2 hours

Now let’s begin the detailed recipe for Punjabi Chole Bhature. The chole will be cooked first, followed by the bhature.

Step 1: Preparing the Chole (Chickpeas Curry)

  1. Soak and Pressure Cook:
    • Soak chickpeas overnight.
    • Cook with water in the cooker should be up to the level above the chickpeas
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tbsp salt
    • 1 tbsp chana masala
    • 1 cinamon stick
    • 1 tbsp kasuri methi
    • 1 tbsp garam masala
    • 1 tbsp garam masala
    • Pinch of baking soda
    • 1/2 tbsp degi mirch, and a tea bag for 6–7 whistles. Discard tea bag after cooking.
  2. Prepare the Masala:
    • Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds.
    • Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
    • Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook until raw smell disappears.
    • Mix in tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
  3. Spice it Up:
    • Add chana masala, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the masala for 2–3 minutes.
    • Add the cooked chickpeas along with their water. Mash a few chickpeas to thicken the gravy.
    • Simmer for 15–20 minutes on low flame.
    • Finally mix well and garnish with coriander leaves.

Your Punjabi Chole is ready to serve!

Step 2: Making the Bhature (Fried Bread)

  1. Kneading the Dough:
    • In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
    • Mix well and gradually add warm water to make a soft, non-sticky dough.
    • Cover with a damp cloth and rest for at least 2 hours.
  2. Rolling and Frying:
    • Roll the dough into smooth balls after dividing it into equal sections.
    • Roll each ball into oval or round-shaped discs.
    • In a deep-frying pan, heat the oil. For puffing, gently slide the bhature and press with a spatula.
    • Fry until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Tips for Perfect Punjabi Chole Bhature

  • Tea bag gives a rich dark color to the chole – a signature of the authentic Punjabi Chole Bhature recipie.
  • Resting the bhature dough enhances softness and fermentation.
  • Cooking chole in advance and letting the flavours meld together improves its flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Punjabi Chole Bhature hot and fresh with:

  • Sliced onions
  • Green chilies
  • Lemon wedges
  • Pickle
  • Boondi raita or plain curd

This dish is frequently eaten as a festive supper or as a filling breakfast. Weekends and special events are when it’s most popular.

Nothing compares to the spicy, tangy, crispy, and utterly gratifying flavour of a traditional Punjabi Chole Bhature dish. This dish, which is ideal for family dinners, celebrations, or just pampering yourself, embodies the essence of Punjabi cuisine.

Use this detailed recipe for Punjabi Chole Bhature at home to impress your loved ones with your culinary prowess. You can replicate the street-style magic in your own kitchen with the correct ingredients and a little perseverance.

FAQs – Punjabi Chole Bhature Recipe

Punjabi chole bhature
  1. What is the difference between Chole and Chana Masala?

    While Chana Masala is a North Indian version that might be lighter and served with rice or roti, Chole is a Punjabi-style spicy chickpea curry that is usually richer and darker and is usually served with Bhature.

  2. How to make Bhature soft and fluffy?

    Maida (all-purpose flour), curd, and a pinch of baking soda are combined to make soft and fluffy Bhature. The dough should be left to rest for at least four to five hours.

  3. Can I make Chole without soaking chickpeas overnight?

    Yes, you can use canned chickpeas or pressure cook dried chickpeas with hot water and a pinch of baking soda to speed up the process.

  4. What are the best side dishes to serve with Chole Bhature?

    Sliced onions, pickles, green chutney, and lassi or buttermilk are common accompaniments to counterbalance the heat.

  5. Can I store leftover Chole Bhature?

    Chole keeps well in the refrigerator for two to three days and gets even better the following day. Although bhature tastes best when it is fresh, it may be kept for a day and warmed up in an air fryer or tawa.

  6. How long does it take to make Chole Bhature at home?

    With pre-soaked chickpeas, it takes about 45–60 minutes to prepare both Chole and Bhature.

  7. What is the origin of Chole Bhature?

    Originally from Punjab, chole bhature is now a common street dish in India, particularly in Delhi and the states of North India.

  8. Can I make Bhature without yeast?

    Yes, traditional Bhature is made using curd and baking soda instead of yeast. The fermentation process makes them puff up nicely when fried.

  9. Which oil is best for frying Bhature?

    Use a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or vegetable oil for best results.

9 thoughts on “Easy Recipe for Punjabi Chole Bhature at Home”

  1. This recipe looks absolutely mouth watering! I love how you’ve detailed each step, it makes it so easy to follow . I can’t wait to try this at home🫠

  2. This recipe was absolutely amazing! The instructions were super easy to follow, and the final dish turned out so delicious. I really appreciate the tips you added they made a big difference. Can’t wait to try more recipes from your blog!

  3. Well-structured and easy-to-follow recipe with authentic flavors. Minor improvements needed like fixing repetition and adding exact bhature quantities. Great for beginners!

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