North Indian dish - Chole Bature : how to prepare

 Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fried bread (bhature). Here's a basic recipe to prepare it:

**For Chole (Chickpea Curry):**

Ingredients:

- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of chickpeas)

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp coriander powder

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 tsp garam masala

- Salt to taste

- Cooking oil

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

- Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly.

2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

4. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.

6. Add the spices - coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the masala is well-cooked.

7. Add the chickpeas and mix well with the masala. If using dried chickpeas, add enough water to cover them. If using canned chickpeas, add some water to create the desired curry consistency.

8. Simmer the chole on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the water and spices as needed.

**For Bhature (Fried Bread):**

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)

- 1/2 cup yogurt

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/4 tsp baking soda

- Salt to taste

- Water as needed

- Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yogurt, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

3. After resting, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.

4. Roll each ball into a circular shape (like a puri) using a rolling pin.

5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. When the oil is hot, carefully slide in the rolled dough and fry until it puffs up and turns golden brown. Press it gently with a spatula to help it puff up.

Serve the hot Chole with Bhature, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Enjoy your homemade Chole Bhature!