Channa Bhatura,” also known as Chole Bhature, is a popular dish from North India.
A flavorful combination: Channa Bhatura consists of a spicy chickpea curry (Channa or Chole) served with deep-fried leavened bread called Bhatura.
The curry (Channa/Chole): Made with chickpeas, Dassana’s Veg Recipes notes it can be spicier or tangy depending on the region. Common spices include cumin, coriander seeds, turmeric, chili powder, onion, garlic, and ginger.
The bread (Bhatura): A puffy, leavened, deep-fried bread made from refined wheat flour (maida).
Popularity and servings: Often enjoyed as breakfast or brunch, particularly in Delhi and Punjab, though it’s popular across India and Pakistan as a street food or full meal. It’s frequently accompanied by raw onions, pickles (like achaar), green chutney, or yogurt.
Origin: The dish’s origin is debated, with some attributing it to Delhi and others to Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Some legends connect it to the Middle Eastern dish Chana Masala or suggest it originated from Punjabi cooks who created hearty dishes.
Taste and Texture: The taste can vary, but generally, the chickpea curry offers a spicy and tangy flavor profile, complemented by the soft and airy texture of the deep-fried bhatura.
Considerations: While delicious, it’s considered a calorie-rich dish due to the deep-frying of the bhatura and the use of oil in the curry.
