The Indian Cookbook Series

One Pan Dishes · Curries · Rotis, Naans & Pooris

Chole Bhature

Spiced chickpea curry served alongside pillowy, golden fried bread — a hearty, tangy classic from North India. The kind of vegetarian dish that leaves you full and happy.

By Sai Balaji·PREP 10 MINUTES·COOK 26 MINUTES·SERVES 4

Watch it made

Ingredients

  • red onion, diced1
  • tomatoes, diced3
  • sunflower oil4 tbsp
  • black cardamom pod1
  • dried bay leaves2
  • fennel seeds1 tsp
  • green chilies, scored4
  • salt2 tbsp
  • turmeric1 tbsp
  • ginger-garlic paste1 tbsp
  • chili powder2 tbsp
  • coriander powder2 tbsp
  • garam masala1 tbsp
  • amchoor powder1 tbsp
  • chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 can
  • butter1 tbsp
  • dried fenugreek leaves1 tsp
  • Flour tortillas, for the quick bhature
  • Oil, for shallow frying

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the vegetables: Dice 1 red onion and 3 tomatoes, then score 4 green chilies.
  2. 2Build the base: Set a pan over medium heat and add 4 tbsp sunflower oil. Add 1 black cardamom pod, 2 dried bay leaves, and 1 tsp fennel seeds. Sauté for 1 minute.
  3. 3Add the diced onion and 4 scored green chilies. Sauté for 3 minutes.
  4. 4Add 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp turmeric, and 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, followed by the diced tomatoes. Spread everything evenly across the pan, cover, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  5. 5Remove the lid and add 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp garam masala, and 1 tbsp amchoor powder. Stir well.
  6. 6Add 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas and mix thoroughly. Cover and cook for 13 minutes.
  7. 7Remove the lid and add 1 tbsp butter and 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves. Stir and cook uncovered for another 4 minutes.
  8. 8Make the quick bhature: Shallow-fry flour tortillas in oil until golden, soft, and puffed.
  9. 9Serve the chole hot with the quick bhature.