Quick answerPunjabi chole bhature pairs a spicy chickpea masala with deep-fried bhature. Boiled chickpeas simmer in an onion, tomato and whole-spice masala, while a dough of flour, yoghurt, baking soda and carom seeds rests 2-3 hours, is rolled out and deep-fried until puffed and golden. Serve with sliced onions, lemon, chutney and lassi.
Craving something rich and indulgent? This Punjabi-style Chole Bhature recipe pairs spicy, masala-packed chickpeas with soft, puffed bhature for a truly satisfying treat. Perfect for festive meals or weekend delights!
Chole Bhature is one of the most loved Punjabi dishes, especially popular as a weekend breakfast or festive meal. In this Punjabi chole bhature recipe, the chickpeas are simmered with whole spices, onions, and rich masalas, while the bhature are deep-fried until perfectly puffed and golden.
🛒 Ingredients for Chole and Bhature
For the Chole
🫘 1 bowl chickpeas (soaked overnight & boiled in the morning)
🧅 2 large onions (finely chopped)
🍅 1 tomato (chopped)
🍃 5 to 6 bay leaves
⭐ 3-star anise (chakra phool)
🍬 1 piece cinnamon
🥄 2 tablespoons coriander powder
🌶️ 4 green chillies
🧄 14 to 15 garlic cloves
⭐ 2 pieces of ginger
🧂 1 1/2 teaspoon Chole masala
⚫ 1 1/2 teaspoon black masala (kala masala)
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌕 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
🛢️ Oil – as required
For the Bhature
🌾 1/2 kg all-purpose flour (sieved)
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🥄 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
🌿 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
🥛 1/2 bowl yoghurt
💧 Water – as needed for kneading
🛢️ Oil – for deep frying
👩🍳 Cooking Instructions
Cooking the Chole
Heat edible oil in a pan. Add whole spices, sauté them & then add green chillies. 🔥
Add chopped onions and fry until light golden brown. 🧅
Grind tomatoes, garlic, green chillies, ginger, and spices into a fine paste. 🍅
Add this paste to the pan along with salt. Cover & cook well. 🥄
Add boiled chickpeas, mix well, and let them cook for 4-5 minutes with some water.
Preparing the Bhature
🥣 In a bowl, mix flour, yoghurt, baking soda, salt, and carom seeds, and knead into a soft dough with a little water.
⏳ Cover and let it rest for 2-3 hours.
🥖 Roll small dough balls into small bhaturas, then roll them bigger.
🔥 Deep-fry in hot oil until puffed and golden brown.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Chole Bhature 🍽️
<!– wp:rank-math/faq-block {"listStyle":"numbered","questions":[{"id":"faq-question-1740467848807","title":"Can I use canned chickpeas instead of soaking overnight? 🥫”,”content”:”Yes! Canned chickpeas can be used, but the taste is better with overnight-soaked and pressure-cooked chickpeas.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467850275″,”title”:”How do I make Bhature extra soft and fluffy? 🍞”,”content”:”Use curd, knead the dough well, and let it rest for at least 2-3 hours for proper fermentation.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467851327″,”title”:”Why does my Bhature become oily? 🛢️”,”content”:”If the oil is not hot enough or if the dough is too wet, Bhature can absorb more oil. Ensure hot oil and well-kneaded dough.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467854135″,”title”:”Can I bake Bhature instead of deep frying? 🔥”,”content”:”Traditional Bhature are deep-fried, but you can bake them at high heat for a healthier version, though the texture will be different.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467855458″,”title”:”How do I make Chole darker in colour, like restaurant style? 🍛”,”content”:”Add a tea bag while boiling chickpeas, or use black cardamom and amchur (dry mango powder) for rich colour and flavour.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467856757″,”title”:”Why does my Chole lack flavour? 🧂”,”content”:”Slow cooking helps bring out the flavours. Use freshly ground spices, and let the Chole simmer longer for a better taste.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467859057″,”title”:”Can I make Bhature without yeast or baking soda? 🍞”,”content”:”Yes! Fermented curd works as a natural leavening agent for soft Bhature.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467869178″,”title”:”What are the best side dishes to serve with Chole Bhature? 🥗”,”content”:”Pickled onions, green chillies, mint chutney, and sweet lassi make perfect accompaniments.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467870346″,”title”:”How long can I store Chole and Bhature? 🕰️”,”content”:”Chole stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days (reheat until steaming hot), but Bhature should be eaten fresh as they lose texture when stored.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1740467871788″,”title”:”Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Bhature? 🌾”,”content”:”Yes! The bhature will be a little denser and less puffy than with all-purpose flour, but they will still taste good. 😋”,”visible”:true}]} –>
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of soaking overnight? 🥫
Yes! Canned chickpeas can be used, but the taste is better with overnight-soaked and pressure-cooked chickpeas.
How do I make Bhature extra soft and fluffy? 🍞
Use curd, knead the dough well, and let it rest for at least 2-3 hours for proper fermentation.
Why does my Bhature become oily? 🛢️
If the oil is not hot enough or if the dough is too wet, Bhature can absorb more oil. Ensure hot oil and well-kneaded dough.
Can I bake Bhature instead of deep frying? 🔥
Traditional Bhature are deep-fried, but you can bake them at high heat for a healthier version, though the texture will be different.
How do I make Chole darker in colour, like restaurant style? 🍛
Add a tea bag while boiling chickpeas, or use black cardamom and amchur (dry mango powder) for rich colour and flavour.
Why does my Chole lack flavour? 🧂
Slow cooking helps bring out the flavours. Use freshly ground spices, and let the Chole simmer longer for a better taste.
Can I make Bhature without yeast or baking soda? 🍞
Yes! Fermented curd works as a natural leavening agent for soft Bhature.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Chole Bhature? 🥗
Pickled onions, green chillies, mint chutney, and sweet lassi make perfect accompaniments.
How long can I store Chole and Bhature? 🕰️
Chole stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days (reheat until steaming hot), but Bhature should be eaten fresh as they lose texture when stored.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Bhature? 🌾
Yes! The bhature will be a little denser and less puffy than with all-purpose flour, but they will still taste good. 😋
In this article 📝 Ingredients for Stuffed Brinjal Masala 🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Method Watch the Masala Bharwa Baingan Recipe Video More Everyday Sabzi Recipes Frequently Asked…
In this article Ingredients for Idli Dosa Batter Step-by-Step Preparation Tips and Troubleshooting Watch the Idli Dosa Batter Recipe Video What to Make with Your Batter…
In this article 🛒 Ingredients for Aloo Paneer Paratha 🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions Watch the Aloo Paneer Paratha Recipe Video More Paratha and Breakfast Recipes 10…