About the Recipe
Chana Bhatura is a beloved North Indian dish that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. At its heart is chana—a spicy, tangy chickpea curry simmered with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and ginger. It's rich, hearty, and deeply comforting.
Paired with Bhatura, a golden, deep-fried bread that’s soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, this dish is a true indulgence. The Bhatura’s airy texture perfectly complements the robust chana, making it a popular choice for festive breakfasts, weekend brunches, or street food cravings.
Ingredients
Chickpea Curry
4 tablespoons sunflower oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon ginger, crushed
1 tablespoon garlic, pasted
1 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
300g tinned chopped tomatoes
2 tins drained chickpeas
2 boiled potatoes
Chopped coriander
Bhathura Mix
2 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup warm water
Chopped coriander
Instructions
Step 1
To make the Bhatura, start by combining plain flour, salt, sunflower oil, and baking powder. Gradually add water while kneading the mixture to form a dough. Incorporate the chopped coriander and continue kneading, then cover and let it rest for a few hours.
Step 2
Warm the sunflower oil in a pot, then add the cumin seeds and bay leaves, letting them sizzle for 20 seconds.
Step 3
Then, incorporate the crushed ginger, garlic paste, and finely chopped red onion; cook until the onions are browned.
Step 4
Incorporate the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder, and cook the spices to let the flavors meld.
Step 5
Cube the boiled potatoes and add them to the pot with the canned chopped tomatoes and chickpeas. Let the mixture simmer, then remove from heat once the curry thickens.
Step 6
Flatten the Bhatura dough into small round disks and deep fry them in moderately hot oil, turning them frequently until they are golden brown on both sides.
Step 7
Lastly, sprinkle some chopped coriander over the chickpea curry and serve it hot alongside the fried Bhaturas.