Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature

Ingredients:

For the Chole (Chickpea Curry):

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (chana), soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For the Bhature:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Water as needed
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chole:

• Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them well.
• In a pressure cooker, add the chickpeas, 4 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 6-7 whistles or until the chickpeas are tender.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
• Add the cooked chickpeas along with the cooking liquid. Mix well.
• Add salt to taste and simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes.
• Stir in the garam masala and amchur powder or lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

2. Prepare the Bhature:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
• Add the yogurt and mix to form a soft dough. Add water if necessary.
• Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
• Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
• Roll out each ball into a round disc, about 6-8 inches in diameter.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Fry each bhatura until it puffs up and turns golden brown on both sides.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Serve:

• Serve the hot Chole with freshly fried Bhature.
• You can also serve with sliced onions, green chilies, and a wedge of lemon on the side.

Enjoy this indulgent and satisfying meal!