Chole Bhature Recipe

There’s something magical about sharing a meal that’s full of bold flavors and warm spices—and chole bhature is just that kind of dish. This North Indian favorite is all about the perfect pairing: a hearty chickpea curry served with crispy, golden bread that’s made for scooping up every last bite.

Chole bhature is more than just food—it’s a family favorite that brings people together. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a cozy dinner, or simply want to treat your loved ones to something special, this dish is always a hit.

Ready to bring a taste of India to your kitchen? This guide will show you how to make each part of chole bhature from scratch, along with tips to make the process simple and fun. Let’s get started!

Why Chole Bhature Is a Family Favorite

Here’s why this dish is a staple in so many households:

• Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, satisfying lunch, or comforting dinner—it works any time of day.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.
• Great for Sharing: Make a big batch to serve at family gatherings or celebrations—it’s guaranteed to please!
• Filling and Nourishing: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a meal that leaves everyone happily full.
• Easy to Make: While there are a few steps, they’re straightforward, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.

What Goes Into Chole Bhature?

Chole bhature is made up of four main components:

1. Chole (Chickpea Curry)

The heart of the dish! This flavorful curry is made with tender chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato and onion base. Soaking your chickpeas overnight makes them extra soft, but canned chickpeas work well if you’re short on time.

2. Chana Masala (Spice Blend)

This fragrant blend of spices gives the chole its signature taste. You can use store-bought masala, but making your own is easy and lets you adjust the flavors to your liking.

3. Bhature (Fried Bread)

Soft, puffy, and golden, bhature is made with a lightly fermented dough. It’s the perfect vehicle for scooping up the curry and tastes best freshly fried.

4. Khatte Aloo (Tangy Potatoes)

This optional but highly recommended side dish adds a zesty kick to the meal. Spiced potatoes complement the chickpea curry beautifully and are super easy to make.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chole Bhature

To help you bring this delicious dish to life, we’ve broken the recipe into clear, manageable steps.

Let’s start with the spice blend that gives chole its signature flavor.

1. Homemade Chana Masala Spice Blend

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp dried pomegranate seeds
• 1 tbsp dried mango powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp cloves
• 8 dried chili peppers
• 7 cardamom pods
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp peppercorns

Instructions:

1. Toast coriander seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, nutmeg, and dried chilies in a dry pan until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Toast the dried mango powder and pomegranate seeds separately.
3. Once cool, grind all the spices into a fine powder and store in an airtight container.

2. Chole (Chickpea Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned, rinsed)
• 2 black tea bags
• 3 green chilies, chopped
• 2 tbsp chana masala
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Soak dried chickpeas overnight, then boil them with tea bags, cinnamon, and salt until tender. (Reserve the cooking water!)
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté green chilies with chana masala. Add boiled chickpeas and stir.
3. Pour in the reserved cooking water and simmer until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Bhature (Fried Bread)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup rava (semolina)
• ¼ cup vegan yogurt
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tsp yeast

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit until frothy.
2. Combine flour, rava, yogurt, and oil. Mix in the yeast water to form a soft dough.
3. Cover and let the dough rise for 1–2 hours.
4. Divide into balls, roll out, and fry in hot oil until puffed and golden.

4. Khatte Aloo (Tangy Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 1 large potato, boiled and diced
• 1 tsp dried mango powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Fry the potato cubes in oil until crispy.
2. Toss with spices while hot and serve alongside the chole and bhature.

Serving Suggestions

Chole bhature is best enjoyed fresh and served with simple, flavorful accompaniments. Here are some easy ways to plate and enjoy this dish:

• Serve chole in a bowl with bhature on the side.
• Add a wedge of lemon and fresh onions for a burst of freshness.
• Pair with tangy khatte aloo to complete the meal.

Storing Your Chole Bhature

If you have leftovers or want to prepare parts of the dish ahead of time, here’s how to store each component to keep it fresh:

• Chole: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bhature: Best fresh but can be reheated in a pan or oven.
• Khatte Aloo: These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Chole bhature is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions. While it takes a bit of time to prepare, the steps are simple, and the end result is a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

This recipe is a great way to bring bold Indian flavors to your table and create a meal that’s sure to be remembered. We hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just as it is in ours.