Chole Bhature Recipe Veg Recipes Of India Made Easy

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Chole Bhature is a beloved North Indian dish that holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers across the country and beyond. This delightful combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) paired with fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature) is a perfect meal to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and hearty ingredients make it a go-to comfort food for many. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Indian street food right to your home kitchen.

Plus, it’s entirely vegetarian, making it ideal for those who prefer plant-based meals without compromising on taste.

In this post, I’ll guide you through a detailed chole bhature recipe that’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Alongside the recipe, you’ll find tips, ingredient insights, and serving suggestions to make your cooking experience even better.

So, let’s dive in and make this iconic Indian dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chole bhature recipe is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that can instantly elevate your meal times. The chickpeas are cooked to creamy perfection with a medley of warming spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, creating a curry that bursts with flavor.

The bhature, made from a simple dough of all-purpose flour and yogurt, is fried until golden and puffy, providing a delightful contrast in texture to the thick curry. What makes this recipe exceptional is its balance of textures and flavors, combined with easy-to-follow steps that anyone can master.

Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or craving a street food classic, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Plus, it’s a wholesome vegetarian dish loaded with protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and filling.

Ingredients

  • For the Chole (Chickpea Curry):
    • 1 cup dry chickpeas (kabuli chana) or 2 cans cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
    • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
    • 1 large onion, finely chopped
    • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
    • 2 green chilies, slit
    • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • 1/2 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder) or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon chole masala (available in Indian stores, optional but recommended)
    • Salt to taste
    • 4 cups water (if cooking from dry chickpeas)
    • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • For the Bhature (Deep-Fried Bread):
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
    • 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji) for crispiness
    • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (curd)
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • Warm water as needed (about 1/4 cup)
    • Oil for deep frying

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker or large pot (for cooking chickpeas)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin and board
  • Deep frying pan or kadhai
  • Slotted spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or food processor (optional, for tomato puree)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas: If using dry chickpeas, rinse and soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain the water before cooking.
  2. Cook the Chickpeas: In a pressure cooker, add soaked chickpeas and 4 cups of fresh water. Cook on high heat for 3-4 whistles, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and set aside.
  3. Make the Bhature Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add yogurt and mix well. Gradually add warm water to form a soft, pliable dough. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
  4. Prepare the Chole Masala Base: Heat oil in a large pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  5. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 8-10 minutes.
  7. Add the spices: turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, chole masala (if using), and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked chickpeas along with some cooking water (about 1-2 cups) to achieve desired consistency. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Add garam masala and amchur powder or lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  10. Shape and Fry Bhature: After dough has rested, divide it into small balls (about golf ball size). Roll each ball into a smooth, thick circle (about 6-7 inches diameter).
  11. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To test, drop a small piece of dough in; it should bubble and rise to the surface quickly.
  12. Carefully slide one rolled bhature into hot oil. Press gently with a slotted spoon to help it puff. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
  13. Serve hot bhature immediately with piping hot chole.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking the chickpeas overnight not only reduces cooking time but also improves digestion and texture.”

  • Using canned chickpeas is a quick alternative but fresh-cooked chickpeas provide better texture and flavor.
  • You can add a pinch of baking soda to the chickpea soaking water to soften them faster.
  • For a healthier variation, bake the bhature instead of frying, though it won’t puff up as much.
  • Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the chole for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Serve with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh green chilies for an authentic street food experience.
  • Experiment by pairing the chole with Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 Bhature + 1 cup Chole)
Calories 450-500 kcal
Protein 15-18 g
Carbohydrates 60-65 g
Fat 15-20 g
Fiber 10-12 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

Chole Bhature is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve your bhature piping hot along with a generous bowl of spiced chole.

Accompany this meal with sliced onions, fresh lemon wedges, and a dollop of tangy tamarind chutney or green mint chutney.

For a cooling contrast, serve with yogurt or raita. You can also enjoy this dish with a side of pickled vegetables or Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for a tangy kick.

If you want to add more variety to your meal, consider pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or a refreshing glass of mango lassi.

Conclusion

Chole Bhature perfectly captures the essence of Indian street food with its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and comforting warmth. This recipe is a wonderful way to bring the vibrant taste of Indian cuisine into your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish offers a hearty, vegetarian meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent. The combination of spicy chole and fluffy bhature is truly irresistible and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes like Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or the comforting Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a diverse culinary journey. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Chole Bhature

Description: A popular North Indian dish featuring spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried fluffy bread. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 tsp chole masala powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Soak chickpeas overnight and pressure cook until soft.
  2. Heat oil, add cumin seeds and chopped onions; sauté till golden.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili, chole masala, and salt; cook until oil separates.
  5. Add cooked chickpeas with some water; simmer for 15 minutes and finish with garam masala.
  6. Mix flour, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, and salt; knead into soft dough.
  7. Divide dough, roll into circles, and deep fry until puffed and golden.
  8. Serve hot chole with bhature.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 55 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chole Bhature”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A popular North Indian dish featuring spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried fluffy bread. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight)”, “2 large onions, finely chopped”, “2 large tomatoes, pureed”, “2 green chilies, chopped”, “1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste”, “1 tsp cumin seeds”, “2 tsp chole masala powder”, “1/2 tsp turmeric powder”, “1 tsp red chili powder”, “1/2 tsp garam masala”, “Salt to taste”, “2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup yogurt”, “1 tsp sugar”, “1 tsp baking powder”, “Oil for deep frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak chickpeas overnight and pressure cook until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil, add cumin seeds and chopped onions; saut\u00e9 till golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili, chole masala, and salt; cook until oil separates.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked chickpeas with some water; simmer for 15 minutes and finish with garam masala.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix flour, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, and salt; knead into soft dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide dough, roll into circles, and deep fry until puffed and golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot chole with bhature.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X