Chole Bhature with Tamarind Chutney

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Punjabi dish featuring spicy chickpea curry and deep-fried bread, paired with a tangy tamarind chutney. This indian-inspired 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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.

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