What is Choley Bhature?
Choley Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that consists of spicy chickpeas (choley) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). The dish is usually accompanied by a side of pickled onions and green chutney. It is a delicious and filling meal that is often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch in India.
History of Choley Bhature
Choley Bhature originated in the Punjab region of India and is a popular street food in North India. It is believed to have been created by the Punjabi community in Delhi and has been enjoyed by generations ever since. Today, it is a popular dish that can be found in restaurants all over India and is even enjoyed in some parts of Pakistan.
Health Benefits of Choley Bhature
While Choley Bhature is a delicious and satisfying meal, it is not the healthiest option due to its high calorie and fat content. However, chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full for longer. Additionally, the spices used in the dish such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can be beneficial for digestion.
Serving Suggestions for Choley Bhature
Choley Bhature is typically served with pickled onions and green chutney. To make pickled onions, thinly slice a red onion and soak it in vinegar with a little salt and sugar for at least an hour. For the green chutney, blend together fresh cilantro, mint, green chili, ginger, and lemon juice. You can also serve Choley Bhature with a side of raita, which is a yogurt-based dip that can help balance out the spiciness of the dish.
Tips for Making Choley Bhature
- Soak the chickpeas overnight in water to help soften them before cooking.
- Use a pressure cooker to cook the chickpeas to save time and ensure they are cooked properly.
- For the bhature, use a combination of all-purpose flour and semolina to give the bread a crispy texture.
- Make sure the oil for frying the bhature is hot enough before adding the dough to ensure they puff up properly.
Recipe for Choley Bhature
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semolina
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- Water as needed
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them with water. Add them to a pressure cooker with enough water to cover them and cook for 4-5 whistles or until they are soft.
- In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil and add the cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and spices (coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt) to the pan and cook until the tomatoes are soft and the spices are fragrant.
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir until they are coated in the tomato and spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the flavors have melded together.
- To make the bhature, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, baking powder, salt, and oil in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the bhature until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve the choley hot with the bhature, pickled onions, and green chutney.
Trivia and Fun Facts About Choley Bhature
- Choley Bhature is a popular street food in North India and is often sold by vendors on bicycles or carts.
- The dish is so popular that it has its own dedicated food festival called the Choley Bhature Festival, which takes place annually in Delhi.
- The bhature is sometimes stuffed with paneer or potatoes to add more flavor to the dish.
- In some parts of India, Choley Bhature is also known as Choley Bhatoore or Choley Bhatura.
