Bhatura is a beloved Indian bread that holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers, especially those who adore North Indian cuisine. Puffy, soft, and delightfully chewy, bhatura is traditionally served alongside spicy chickpea curry, known as chole, making it a classic combo that you’ll find in almost every Delhi street food corner and Punjabi household.
This deep-fried bread is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is loved for its satisfying texture and the comforting warmth it brings to the table. If you’ve been craving an authentic, homemade bhatura recipe that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious, you’re in the right place!
In this blog post, I’m sharing a step-by-step bhatura recipe that captures the traditional flavors and textures. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will guide you through making fluffy bhaturas that puff up beautifully on frying.
Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and serving ideas to elevate your Indian dining experience. Ready to bring the taste of India right into your kitchen?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this bhatura recipe! First, it uses simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, yogurt, and a pinch of sugar, making it accessible for most home cooks.
Second, the dough requires minimal effort and no fancy equipment, yet produces perfectly soft and airy bread that puffs up when fried. The slight tanginess from the yogurt adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs excellently with spicy vegetable curries.
Finally, this recipe allows for customization — whether you want to make it vegan by substituting yogurt or add whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Bhatura is versatile, comforting, and pairs wonderfully with many vegetarian dishes, making it a must-have in your Indian recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji/rava) – for crispiness
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (curd) – room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee – for dough
- Oil for deep frying
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) for flavor
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin and board
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen towel or paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Add the yogurt and oil to the dry ingredients. Begin mixing with your hands or a spoon, gradually adding about 1/2 cup warm water to form a soft, pliable dough.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 2 hours. This resting is crucial for the dough to ferment slightly and get soft.
- After resting, divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok on medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. Do not roll too thin; bhaturas puff better when slightly thick.
- Fry the bhatura: Carefully slide one rolled dough circle into the hot oil. It should immediately puff up. Gently press it with a slotted spoon to help it puff fully.
- Flip and fry the other side until golden brown spots appear, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.
- Remove the bhatura with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a kitchen towel to remove excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough balls.
- Serve hot with spicy chole (chickpea curry) or any vegetable curry of your choice.
Tips & Variations
For best results, use warm yogurt and water to help activate the baking soda and powder for a better rise.
Don’t roll the dough too thin, or the bhatura won’t puff up properly.
If you want a vegan version, substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or plant-based yogurt.
Add a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) or cumin seeds in the dough for extra aroma and digestion aid.
You can also experiment by mixing some whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a slightly healthier version. Another variation is stuffing the bhatura with spiced mashed potatoes or paneer before frying to create a stuffed bhatura.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Bhatura (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 180-220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 7-10 g (due to frying oil) |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Note: Nutrition varies based on oil absorption and size of bhatura.
Serving Suggestions
Bhatura is traditionally paired with chole (spicy chickpea curry), but it also tastes fantastic with aloo curry, paneer butter masala, or even a simple vegetable stew.
For a complete meal, serve bhatura with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and green chutney alongside a cool yogurt raita. This combination balances the richness of the fried bread with fresh and tangy flavors.
If you’re interested in more Indian-inspired vegetarian recipes that complement bhatura well, check out the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy twist or explore the Collard Green Casserole Recipes for hearty sides.
More Delicious Veg Recipes of India
Since you’re exploring vegetarian delights from India, here are some other signature dishes you might love:
-
Vegetable Biryani
A fragrant rice dish layered with mixed vegetables, aromatic spices, and garnished with fried onions and nuts. Perfect as a main course for special occasions.
-
Vegan Mushroom Stew
This creamy, spiced mushroom stew is rich in flavor and pairs beautifully with breads like bhatura or rice.
-
Collard Green Casserole
A nutritious, wholesome casserole made with collard greens and spices, offering a delicious side dish for any Indian meal.
-
Chole (Chickpea Curry)
The classic spicy chickpea curry that perfectly complements bhatura and is a must-try for every vegetarian Indian food lover.
Conclusion
Bhatura is truly one of the most satisfying and comforting breads in Indian cuisine. Its fluffy, slightly tangy, and golden exterior makes it a perfect partner for a variety of vegetarian curries and chutneys.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now enjoy restaurant-style bhaturas at home without any fuss.
Remember, the secret lies in the dough’s rest time and frying at the right temperature to ensure that perfect puff. Whether you serve it with spicy chole or a simple vegetable curry, bhatura will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t forget to explore other fantastic recipes on the site, like the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert or the savory Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to add an Italian twist to your meals.
Enjoy cooking and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Bhatura Recipe – Veg Recipes of India
Description: Bhatura is a fluffy, deep-fried Indian bread commonly served with chickpea curry (chole). This recipe yields soft and airy bhaturas perfect for any meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp oil
- 3/4 cup warm water (as needed)
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, semolina, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add yogurt and oil; mix well.
- Gradually add warm water and knead into a soft dough.
- Cover dough and let it rest for 2 hours.
- Divide dough into equal balls and roll each into a round disc.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry each bhatura until golden and puffed on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chole.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 35 g
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