Diwali, the festival of lights, brings warmth, joy, and togetherness into every home. This year, in a small but lively household, the festivities revolved around not just diyas and rangolis but also a plate of mouthwatering Chhole Bhature that became the star of the evening!
A Family’s Festive Day
The day began with an air of excitement as the family—parents and their little daughter—decorated their cozy home with twinkling fairy lights and vibrant marigold garlands. The smell of incense filled the house as diyas were carefully lit and placed in every corner, casting a warm, golden glow.
The little one enthusiastically helped her mom with a colorful rangoli at the entrance, while dad prepared a playlist of classic Diwali songs. The house buzzed with cheerful chatter, laughter, and the occasional playful squabble over how much glitter to add to the decorations!
The Festive Feast with mouthwatering Chhole Bhature
When the time came to eat, the kitchen turned into a hive of activity. The mother, dressed in a beautiful saree, rolled out the soft dough for bhature while her husband stirred the bubbling pot of spicy chhole, seasoned with aromatic spices.
The smell of freshly fried bhature wafted through the house, enticing everyone to gather around the dining table. A plate piled with golden, puffed bhature sat beside a bowl of rich and flavorful chhole, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. A side of tangy pickle, crunchy sliced onions, and lemon wedges completed the meal.
The family sat together at the table, savoring every bite, their faces lighting up with delight. The meal was simple, yet it felt special—a shared moment of love and celebration.
Chhole Bhature
Equipment
- 1 Pressure cooker to cook the chickpeas
- 1 Pan to make bhature
Ingredients
For Chhole
- 1 cup Chickpeas (चना) Soaked overnight or 6-8 hours
- 1 no. onion Medium sized, finely chopped
- 1 no. tomato Medium sized, pureed
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 Green Chilly Slit
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds (जीरा)
- 1 Bay leaf (तेज पत्ता)
- 1 tsp Dried Coriander Seeds (धनिया) Powder
- ½ tsp Cumin (जीरा) Powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder (हल्दी)
- ½ tsp Red Chilly Powder Adjust to taste
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Chhole Masala
- ½ tsp Dry Mango Powder (आमचूर)
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp Oil
- Coriander Leaves for garnish
For Bhature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (मैदा)
- 1 tbsp Semolina (सूजी / रवा)
- 2 tbsp Yogurt
- Baking Soda a pinch
- salt a pinch
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Water as needed to knead
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
To Make Chhole
- Cook Chickpeas: Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with salt and water (3 cups) for 4-5 whistles or until soft. Drain and reserve the water.
Prepare the Masala
- Heat oil in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and bay leaf.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili, cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
Spice it Up:
- Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and chole masala. Mix well.
- Add cooked chickpeas along with a cup of reserved water. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Finish
- Add garam masala, amchur, and adjust salt. Garnish with coriander leaves.
To Make Bhature
- Prepare Dough
- In a bowl, mix flour, semolina, yogurt, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Gradually add water to make a soft, non-sticky dough.
- Cover and rest for 1-2 hours.
- Roll Bhature: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin, round shape (or oval).
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry each bhatura until golden and puffed on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Serve Hot
- Pair the hot Chhole with freshly made Bhature. Add onion rings, lemon wedges, and a side of pickle for an authentic experience!
Notes
Serving Notes
This is a moderate-calorie dish that can be paired with a fresh salad or buttermilk to balance the meal.The Evening Glow
After the hearty meal, the family stepped outside to light sparklers and enjoy the festive fireworks lighting up the sky. Laughter echoed in the cool night air as the little girl clapped her hands in glee, watching the bursts of color.
The evening ended with a warm cup of masala chai and a plate of homemade sweets. The father remarked how this year’s Diwali felt even more magical, with Chhole Bhature at the center of their celebration—a tradition they decided to keep for years to come.
Diwali is all about cherishing the simple joys—good food, family, and the glow of togetherness. In this small household, it wasn’t the grandeur of the festivities but the love shared over a humble yet delicious meal that made the celebration unforgettable.
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