How do I make bhature fluffy?

Use yogurt and baking powder in the dough, let it rest for 30 minutes, and fry in hot oil. The key is hot oil and proper kneading.

Can I make chole without a pressure cooker?

Yes! Soak chickpeas overnight and cook in a pot for 2-3 hours until tender. Pressure cooker just makes it faster.

Best Chole Bhature Recipe 2026 | Authentic Punjabi Chole Bhature

Name: Best Punjabi Chole Bhature Recipe
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Punjabi
Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas (kala chana), soaked overnight; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp oil; 1 cup yogurt; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 tomatoes, chopped; 3 green chilies; 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp chole masala; Oil for deep frying; Fresh coriander for garnish

History

Chole bhature is a popular North Indian dish originating from Punjab. It consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fluffy fried bread (bhature). This dish is a staple in Indian street food culture.

The combination of protein-rich chickpeas and indulgent bhature makes it a complete meal. It's commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch and is especially popular during weekends and festivals.

Ingredients

For the Chole

2 cups chickpeas (kala chana), soaked overnight
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies, chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chole masala
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro

For the Bhature

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

Cooking Utensils

Pressure cooker

Kadhai or pan

Mixing bowl

Rolling pin

Slotted spoon

Chef's knife

Instructions

1

Cook Chickpeas

Pressure cook soaked chickpeas with salt and water for 15-20 minutes until soft.

2

Prepare Tempering

Heat oil, add cumin seeds. When they splutter, add onions and sauté until golden.

3

Add Spices

Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add tomato puree and cook.

4

Add Masalas

Add all dry spices and cook until oil separates. Add cooked chickpeas with water.

5

Simmer Chole

Simmer for 15 minutes. Mash some chickpeas for thicker gravy. Add garam masala.

6

Make Bhature Dough

Mix flour, sooji, salt, sugar, baking powder. Add yogurt, oil, and water to make soft dough.

7

Rest Dough

Cover and rest dough for 30 minutes. Divide into lemon-sized balls.

8

Roll Bhature

Roll each ball into 4-5 inch circles. Keep slightly thick.

9

Fry Bhature

Deep fry in hot oil until puffed and golden. Press gently while frying.

10

Serve

Serve hot chole with bhature, onions, and lemon wedges.

Video Tutorial

Pro Tips

Chickpea Soaking

Soak chickpeas overnight for best results. Add baking soda while cooking for softer texture.

Hot Oil

Ensure oil is hot enough before frying bhature for proper puffing.

Fresh Spices

Use fresh garam masala and chole masala for authentic flavor.

Nutrition Information

380 Calories

12g Protein

50g Carbs

16g Fat