Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Punjabi dish featuring spicy chickpea curry and deep-fried bread, paired with a tangy tamarind chutney. This indian ready in about 55 minutes blends Chickpeas (cooked), medium, diced Onion, minced Garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 600 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a pot, heat 2 tbsp oil. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 100g tomato puree, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 300g cooked chickpeas and 100ml water. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chickpeas are tender.
  4. Step 4: For bhature, mix 100g flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tbsp water to form a soft dough. Roll into 12 small balls, flatten, and deep-fry in hot oil until golden and puffed.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste with 2 tbsp water and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro. Serve chole with bhature and tamarind chutney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney?

Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes