How to Make Chole Bhature – Authentic Punjabi Recipe at Home

If you have ever searched for “chole bhature near me” or craved the legendary taste of Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Nagpal Chole Bhature, or Gopal Ji Chole Bhature, you already know how irresistible this North Indian delicacy is. Known by many names such as chholey bhature, bhatura chole, chola bhatura, or even chhole bhatore, this dish combines a rich, spicy chickpea curry with hot, fluffy fried bread.

In this blog, you’ll learn the recipe of making chole bhature at home so you can enjoy that same mouth-watering flavor without having to step outside. Whether you’re making pindi cholley, chole puri, or the classic chhole bhature recipe, the steps below will guide you to perfection.

What is Chole Bhature?

Chole Bhature is a Punjabi classic made with two components:

• Chole (Chickpea Curry): Prepared using boiled white chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and an aromatic blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

• Bhature: A deep-fried bread made from refined flour (maida) and yogurt, with a soft, airy inside and a slightly crispy exterior.

In Delhi, iconic spots like Natraj Chole Bhature, Sitaram Diwanchand, and Nagpal Chole Bhature are famous for serving this dish. Many people also enjoy variations such as chhole puri recipe, chole bhature chole recipe, and pindi cholley.

Ingredients for Chole Bhature

Before starting your chole bhature preparation, gather these fresh ingredients.

For Chole (Chickpea Curry)

• 2 cups chickpeas (kabuli chana) – soaked overnight

• 2 medium onions – finely chopped

• 2 medium tomatoes – pureed

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 green chili – slit

• 2 teaspoons chole masala

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• ½ teaspoon garam masala

• Salt – as needed

• 3 tablespoons oil

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

For Bhature

• 2 cups refined flour (maida)

• 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji)

• ½ cup yogurt (curd)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• Oil – for frying

• Water – as needed

Step-by-Step Chole Bhature Recipe

 Step 1 – Cooking the Chole

1. Soak the chickpeas: Wash and soak chickpeas overnight for at least 8 hours.

2. Boil: Add soaked chickpeas to a pressure cooker with 4 cups water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–6 whistles until tender.

3. Prepare masala: Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.

4. Add onions: Sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.

5. Add spices: Mix in turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and chole masala. Stir well.

6. Tomato base: Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.

7. Combine: Add boiled chickpeas and their stock to the masala. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

8. Finish: Sprinkle garam masala, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and set aside.

Step 2 – Preparing the Bhature

1. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine maida, sooji, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

2. Add yogurt: Mix in yogurt and knead into a soft dough, adding water as needed.

3. Rest the dough: Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2–3 hours.

4. Roll: Divide into equal portions and roll into oval or round shapes.

5. Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry each bhatura until puffed and golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Chole Bhature

• Always soak chickpeas overnight for a softer texture.

• Use good quality chole masala for authentic taste.

• Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying bhature so they puff up nicely.

• Serve hot with onions, lemon wedges, and pickle for extra flavor.

Variations of Chole Bhature

• Pindi Cholley: A dry, tangy version made with tea leaves for a dark color.

• Stuffed Bhature: Filled with paneer or potatoes before frying.

• Chole Puri Recipe: Similar chole served with puris instead of bhature.

• Chhola Bhatura Recipe: A spicier version often made in Punjabi households.

Famous Places for Chole Bhature in India

If you ever want to try this dish outside home, here are some legendary spots:

• Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Delhi) – Known for tangy chole and soft bhature.

• Nagpal Chole Bhature (Delhi) – Famous for light, airy bhature.

• Gopal Ji Chole Bhature (Amritsar) – Authentic Amritsari style.

• Natraj Chole Bhature (Delhi) – A Delhi classic.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450–500 kcal

• Protein: 12–15 g

• Carbs: 60–65 g

• Fat: 18–20 g

Note: Nutritional values vary based on portion size and ingredients.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to make Chole Bhature at home, whether you call it chholey bhature, chhole batura, or chola bhatura recipe. From Sitaram Diwanchand to Nagpal Chole Bhature, you can now recreate the same flavors in your own kitchen.

This recipe ensures perfectly spiced chole and fluffy bhature, making it ideal for family gatherings, festive occasions, or a weekend treat. Once you master this recipe of making chole bhature, you might never need to search for bhature chole near me again!