Delicious Chole Puri: Chole Puri is a classic and beloved North Indian dish, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or festive meal. This hearty dish is a favorite at family gatherings, festive occasions, and weekend breakfasts, known for its rich aroma, bold spices, and satisfying textures. The tender chickpeas soak up a medley of spices, creating a mouthwatering curry that pairs perfectly with the golden, puffed puris.
Chole Puri
While it’s often enjoyed as a special treat, making Chole Puri at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or introducing someone to traditional Indian flavors, this dish never fails to impress. Get to know how to make restaurant-style Chole Puri from scratch, discover health benefits, variations, and helpful tips to perfect this flavorful duo every time. Get ready to savor a truly delightful culinary experience!
Ingredients for Chole Puri
For Chole (Chickpea Curry)
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 black cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chole masala or garam masala
- 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients for Chole Puri
For Puri
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon semolina (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed for kneading dough)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for the dough)
- Oil for deep frying
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Preparing the Chickpeas
- Soak: Wash the dried chickpeas and soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Boil: Drain and pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt for 5-6 whistles or until soft. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them well.
Making the Chole
- Tempering Spices: Heat oil in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds, black cardamoms, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until aromatic.
- Sauté Onions: Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté until raw smell disappears.
- Tomato Base: Add pureed tomatoes, cook until oil separates.
- Spices: Add turmeric, coriander, cumin, red chili powder, and chole masala. Mix well.
- Combine Chickpeas: Add boiled chickpeas along with some cooking water. Mash a few chickpeas for thicker consistency.
- Simmer: Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add amchur powder or lemon juice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process of Chole Puri
Making the Puri
- Prepare Dough: Mix flour, semolina, salt, and oil. Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough.
- Rest: Cover and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll Puris: Divide the dough into small balls and roll into small discs.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the puris one at a time until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Drain: Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Health Benefits of Chole Puri
- Rich in Protein: Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein.
- High in Fiber: Helps in digestion and maintains blood sugar levels.
- Iron-Rich: Great for boosting hemoglobin.
- Good Fats: Using whole wheat flour and moderate oil helps in balanced fats intake.
Tips for Perfect Chole Puri
- Use fresh spices for a robust flavor.
- Soaking chickpeas properly ensures quicker cooking and better texture.
- Fry puris at the right temperature; too hot oil burns them, too cool oil makes them oily.
- Add a pinch of baking soda while boiling chickpeas for softer texture.
Variations to Try
- Bhature instead of Puri: A thicker, fermented version of fried bread.
- Spicy Chole: Increase green chilies and red chili powder for extra heat.
- Aloo Puri: Serve puris with a simple potato curry.
- Paneer Chole: Add paneer cubes for a protein boost.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Iron: 20% of daily value
Chole Puri is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with flavors, textures, and satisfaction. With the right ingredients and steps, you can easily make this delicious dish at home. Enjoy it on weekends, festivals, or any day you crave a hearty Indian meal!
Also Read: Indian-Spiced Grilled Chicken
