Recipe to Make Perfect Fluffy Chole Bhature: A Delicious North Indian Delight

Chole Bhature is a classic North Indian dish that is loved by many for its rich, spicy chickpea curry (chole) paired with soft and fluffy fried bread (bhature). This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Here's how you can make perfect fluffy chole bhature at home.

1. Ingredients for Chole (Chickpea Curry)
●    2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
●    2 onions, finely chopped
●    2 tomatoes, finely chopped
●    2 green chilies, slit
●    1-inch ginger, grated
●    4-5 garlic cloves, minced
●    2-3 black tea bags
●    2 bay leaves
●    1 black cardamom
●    1-inch cinnamon stick
●    2 tsp cumin seeds
●    1 tsp turmeric powder
●    2 tsp red chili powder
●    2 tsp coriander powder
●    1 tsp garam masala
●    1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
●    Salt to taste
●    4 tbsp oil
●    Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

2. Ingredients for Bhature (Fried Bread)
●    2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
●    1/2 cup semolina (sooji)
●    1/2 cup plain yogurt
●    1 tsp sugar
●    1 tsp salt
●    1 tsp baking powder
●    Water (as needed)
●    Oil for frying

Instructions for Chole:
1.    Boil the Chickpeas:
○    Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker.
○    Add 4 cups of water, tea bags, bay leaves, black cardamom, and cinnamon stick.
○    Pressure cook for 6-7 whistles or until the chickpeas are soft. Remove the tea bags and whole spices, then set aside.

2.    Prepare the Masala:
○    Heat oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
○    Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
○    Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Cook until the raw smell disappears.
○    Add tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
○    Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

3.    Combine and Cook:
○    Add the boiled chickpeas along with the cooking water to the masala.
○    Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
○    Add garam masala and amchur powder. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
○    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Instructions for Bhature:
1.    Prepare the Dough:
○    In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, semolina, yogurt, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
○    Add water gradually and knead into a smooth and soft dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.
○    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours.
2.    Shape the Bhature:
○    Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
○    Roll each ball into a round or oval shape using a rolling pin. Ensure the rolled-out dough is not too thick or too thin.
3.    Fry the Bhature:
○    Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai.
○    Carefully slide one rolled-out dough into the hot oil. Fry until it puffs up and turns golden brown on both sides.
○    Use a slotted spoon to remove the bhature from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serving:
●    Serve the hot and fluffy bhature with the spicy and tangy chole.
●    Accompany the dish with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and pickles for added flavor.
●    A glass of chilled lassi or buttermilk makes a perfect beverage to complement this rich and hearty meal.

Conclusion:
Making perfect fluffy chole bhature at home is a rewarding experience that brings the authentic taste of North India to your kitchen. With its spicy chickpea curry and soft, fried bread, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Follow these steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade chole bhature with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
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