Chole Bhature Recipe - Traditional Chickpea Curry with Bhatura

Ingredients
- Whole Chana Dal ( Dried Chickpeas ) - 500 g (2 1/2 cups)
- Tea Bags (or Tea Leaves) - 2 bags (or 2 tbsp)
- Cinnamon - 1 stick (4 pieces)
- Cardamom - 6 pods
- Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tbsp (saute)
- Cumin Seeds - 1 1/2 tbsp (masala)
- Mace - 1 tsp
- Bay Leaf - 1 leaf
- Dried Red Chili - 2 qty
- Coriander Seeds - 1 tbsp
- Black Peppercorns - 1 tbsp
- Kasuri Mehthi - 1 tbsp
- Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Onion - 1 cup (puréed)
- Tomato - 2 cups (puréed)
- Ginger garlic paste - 2 tbsp
- Cilantro - 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Green Chili - 1 tbsp (chopped)
- Water - as needed
Chole Bhature is a beloved North Indian dish that combines tender SWAD chickpeas simmered in a rich, spiced tomato gravy with soft, fluffy bhature—a deep-fried bread that perfectly complements the flavorful curry. This iconic dish is a must-have during festive occasions like Lohri, bringing warmth and indulgence to the celebration.
The Chickpea Curry recipe involves soaking dried chickpeas overnight for the perfect texture, cooking them with aromatic spices, and creating a luscious gravy with puréed onions, tomatoes, and a blend of freshly roasted masalas. Served hot, chana masala embodies the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine and is often accompanied by yogurt, pickles, or salad.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chole Bhature. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chana Bhatura calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
1) Soak 500 g (2 ½ cups) of dried chickpeas in water overnight. If short on time, soak them in hot water for 3-4 hours.
2) Boil 1 cup of water with 2 tea bags or 2 tbsp loose tea. Strain if using loose tea.
3) In a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, add the soaked and drained chickpeas, prepared tea, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods, and enough water to cover the chickpeas. Cook on high until the first whistle, then on low for two more whistles. Let the pressure release naturally. Save some of the cooking water.
4) Dry roast 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods, 1 tsp mace, 1 tbsp black peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, 1 ½ tbsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp kasuri methi, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 2 dried red chilies for 2-3 minutes. Grind into a coarse powder.
5) Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Sauté 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods, and ½ tbsp cumin seeds. Add 1 cup onion purée and cook until lightly browned.
6) Stir in 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add 2 cups tomato purée, the prepared spice powder, and salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat until reduced by about 25%.
7) Mix the cooked chickpeas into the gravy. Add 2-3 tbsp of the reserved cooking water for added flavor.
8) Finish with 1 tbsp chopped green chili and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Mix well and serve with butter, bhature, and yogurt on the side.
Happy Lohri!
Chole Bhature is a beloved North Indian dish that combines tender SWAD chickpeas simmered in a rich, spiced tomato gravy with soft, fluffy bhature—a deep-fried bread that perfectly complements the flavorful curry. This iconic dish is a must-have during festive occasions like Lohri, bringing warmth and indulgence to the celebration.
The Chickpea Curry recipe involves soaking dried chickpeas overnight for the perfect texture, cooking them with aromatic spices, and creating a luscious gravy with puréed onions, tomatoes, and a blend of freshly roasted masalas. Served hot, chana masala embodies the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine and is often accompanied by yogurt, pickles, or salad.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chole Bhature. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chana Bhatura calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes

Bhindi Masala Recipe - Easy Indian Okra Sabzi with Onion & Tomato - Home-Style Vegetarian Dish
This easy Bhindi Masala recipe is made with sautéed okra, onions, tomatoes, and everyday Indian spices. A comforting home-style sabzi that’s simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with roti or plain rice for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Bhindi Masala is a comforting Indian vegetable dish made with tender okra cooked in a flavorful onion and tomato masala. This everyday sabzi is a staple in many Indian homes, loved for its simple ingredients and balanced spices. When cooked correctly, bhindi turns soft and flavorful without becoming sticky, making this dish both satisfying and easy to enjoy.
Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Bhindi Masala at home. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our bhindi masala recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Traditional Sarson Ka Saag - Lohri Special Punjabi Winter Dish - Easy Instant Pot Voiceover Recipe
Celebrate Lohri with a classic Sarson Ka Saag recipe made in the Instant Pot using mustard greens, mixed winter greens, garlic, ginger, and makki ka atta. This Punjabi winter saag develops deep flavor and is finished with ghee tempering. Best enjoyed with hot makki ki roti, this hearty North Indian dish is a seasonal favorite.
Sarson Ka Saag is a beloved Punjabi winter recipe traditionally enjoyed during Lohri, made with fresh mustard greens, mixed leafy greens, aromatics, and a touch of makki ka atta for body. Prepared easily in the Instant Pot or slow-cooked, this mustard greens saag develops deep, earthy flavors and is perfectly suited for colder months. Garlic, ginger, green chilies, and tomatoes balance the bitterness of sarson, creating a rich and comforting North Indian saag.
Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Sarson Ka Saag at home. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our sarson ka saag recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Indian Style Paneer Bruschetta Recipe - Easy Paneer Appetizer with Tomato Mint Chutney
Try this easy Paneer Bruschetta recipe made with a creamy paneer cheese spread and a fresh tomato, mint, and cilantro topping. Served on toasted baguette slices, this indian fusion appetizer is flavorful, simple to prepare, and perfect for parties, gatherings, or evening snacks.
This Indian Style Bruschetta is a vibrant fusion appetizer that brings together familiar desi flavors with a classic European favorite. Crispy toasted baguette slices are topped with a creamy paneer cheese spread and finished with a fresh, zesty mix of cherry tomatoes, onion, mint, and cilantro. Every bite is layered with texture and bold flavor, making it an ideal starter for parties, family gatherings, or an elevated evening snack.
Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Indian Style Bruschetta at home. We’ve included helpful demonstrations and simple tips to get perfectly toasted bread and a smooth paneer spread every time. For ingredient measurements and preparation details, refer to the recipe card below.