Here’s a recipe for Chole Bhature, a popular North Indian dish, which can be made in a pure vegetarian restaurant in Lucknow:
Ingredients for Chole (Chickpea Curry):
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (chole)
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients for Bhature (Fried Bread):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (curd)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Oil (for deep frying)
Instructions:
- Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Then, drain the water and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chickpeas along with enough water to cover them. Add salt and pressure cook for about 5-6 whistles, or until the chickpeas are soft and cooked through.
- Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped green chilies and tomato puree. Cook until the oil separates from the masala mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and cook for a minute.
- Now, add the cooked chickpeas along with the water in which they were cooked. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if required. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the bhature dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yogurt, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Knead well to form a smooth and elastic dough. Add a little water if needed.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1-2 hours.
- After the resting time, divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into round or oval-shaped discs of medium thickness.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai for deep frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in one bhatura at a time. Gently press it with a slotted spoon to help it puff up. Flip and fry until both sides are golden brown.
- Remove the fried bhature from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the hot and puffy bhature with the prepared chole curry. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Enjoy your delicious Chole Bhature made with love in a pure vegetarian restaurant in Lucknow!