Chole Bhatura: Tangy Chickpeas and Fluffy Bread
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Chole Bhatura, a beloved North Indian dish that features tender chickpeas simmered in a richly spiced, tangy sauce paired with fluffy bread. This delightful vegetarian meal is perfect for gatherings, serving six generous portions that are sure to impress family and friends. With a balance of spices that is neither too mild nor too fiery, this dish is designed to please a variety of palates.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Element | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6 |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas (tinned) | 400g |
| Black teabags | 2 (in mug with boiling water) |
| Tamarind | 5cm piece, soaked in 100ml boiling water |
| Ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Onions | 2 medium, thinly sliced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, sliced |
| Ginger | 4cm piece, grated |
| Green chillies | 2-3, sliced lengthways |
| Plum tomatoes (tinned) | 400g |
| Kashmiri chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp |
| Coriander seeds (crushed) | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds (crushed) | 2 tsp |
| Black salt | ½ tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Amchoor / chaat masala | 1 heaped tsp |
| Fresh coriander (for garnish) | Roughly chopped |
Instructions
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Prepare the Base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, allowing them to sizzle for a few seconds before adding the thinly sliced onions. Sauté the onions for about 5 to 10 minutes until they become golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add Aromatics: Once the onions are golden, incorporate the sliced garlic and continue stirring until it starts to change color, releasing its fragrant aroma. Next, add the grated ginger and sliced green chillies, frying for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
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Create the Masala: Pour in the tinned plum tomatoes along with the tea water. Using a sieve, strain in the tamarind water, discarding the solids. Allow this mixture to simmer for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes and onions combine to form a thick, flavorful masala.
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Incorporate Spices: Add the Kashmiri chilli powder, crushed coriander seeds, crushed cumin seeds, and turmeric to the pan. Stir the mixture for a few minutes until the spices become aromatic and the masala thickens further.
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Cook the Chickpeas: Drain the water from the tinned chickpeas and add them to the simmering masala. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of water. Let it cook gently for about 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors.
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Season the Dish: Sprinkle in the black salt, stirring well to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, keeping a watchful eye on the pan and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If necessary, add more liquid to maintain a nice, thick consistency.
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Final Touches: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the chickpeas are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Finish by adding the garam masala and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle the amchoor or chaat masala over the top for that extra zing.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander. Pair it with bhaturas (fluffy Indian bread) or your choice of rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Cooking Tips
- For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the chickpeas in a bit of ghee before adding them to the masala.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chillies or Kashmiri chilli powder.
- To enhance the tangy taste, you can add more lemon juice or tamarind according to your liking.
Enjoy this delightful Chole Bhatura recipe, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a comforting, hearty dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine!
