ALU CHOLE` WITH BHATURA, LASSI AND CHILLED WATER MELON !

Alu Chole Bhatura:
A delicious fried Indian bread Bhatura, creamy golden, soft and tangy due to added sour cream and baking powder, most popular classic Punjabi dish which goes well with chick peas (Kabuli Chana) mixed with potatoes and tomatoes, called Alu chole in India. You cannot think of a better combination than these except probably Idli-Sambhar from the south!!Served with onions thinly sliced,mixed with salt,paprika and lemon juice and a big glass of lassi. Oh wait! a bowl of fresh chilled fruit to finish off the meal! Did I just die and go to Heaven??!!! :D


When we were in B'lore, we often used to visit this outdoor garden restaurant, (I cannot remember the name, it's been almost 16 yrs.since we left India) which is famous for it's Chole-Bhatura! The waiter would bring a plate of one huge Bhatura about 10" in diameter all puffed up like a balloon balanced on his right palm held way up above the shoulder over his head to avoid colliding with others and other hand holding a small plate of Chole and salad!! What a wonderful, comical sight!! Man!!Just thinking about that makes me homesick..sigh...


Anyhoo!! :) Here are the recipes for Alu Chole and Bhatura. I am sure there are million variations of these dishes as unique as the people of India!! This would be my version adding and eliminating over the years, finally a restaurant style chole, I would be very glad to share with you. This Chole does not have many spices as is common in other recipes but delicious tasting!! Hope y'all will give it try...:D

FOR CHOLE` YOU NEED:

1 lb Can of Chick Peas
2 Small Potatoes , cubed
2 Plum Tomatoes, sliced
2 big Onions, chopped
1" Ginger, chopped
1 tsp Chilli Powder
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
2 tbsp Sour Cream or yoghurt
1/2 tsp Amchoor ( Mango Powder)
1 tsp Kasoori Methi (optional)
Cilantro, 1 Green Chilly ,lemon slices for Garnish




Onion Relish: 1/2 Sliced Onion washed and mixed with paprika, salt and lemon juice.

TO MAKE CHOLE`:
1. Heat 1 tsp oil , fry 2 chopped onions until reddish. Add ginger for a minute and put it in a blender. Add in chilli pd, salt ,tomatoes and blend to a smooth paste.
2. Heat 1 tbsp butter , add cubed potatoes, fry until brown, half cooked adding water if necessary.
3. Add ground masala , fry until you see a shine on top for 5 mins., add in sour cream , stir-fry. Pour in 1/2 to 1 cup water to thin.Simmer till potatoes are cooked.
4. Now add chick peas, all the spices and mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
5. That's about it! Garnish before serving with Bhatura.

NOTE:Please adjust the spices like amchur,garam masala,chilli pd according to your taste in any dish given!! Thanks :))

TO MAKE BHATURAS YOU NEED:



2 Cups Plain Flour
1 tbsp Cream Of Wheat(Semolina)
2 tbsp Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Baking Powder

HOW TO:

Mix and knead all the above ingredients with enough water to make a stiff dough. Apply some oil on the dough and cover. Let it rest for 4 hrs.Divide into 6-7 pieces and roll them out to about 8" circles 1/8" thickness.


Heat enough oil in a wide pan to 375F, fry each Bhatura until it is slightly golden and drain on the paper towels.Some times they puff and some times they don't.That's okay but make sure you take them out of the oil before become too reddish.They should be soft and creamish in color.Serve with Chole and onion relish along with a glass of lassi and a plate of chilled fruit.




Minty Vanilla Yogurt Lassi: (Pronounced as "LUH-SSEE", not as the Movie dog!! :D)

2 cups Low-Fat Dannon Vanilla Yogurt or any flavor you like
2 Mint Leaves
1/2 Cup Super fine sugar or to your taste
1/4 Cup Ice Water

8-10 Ice cubes, crushed.




HOW TO:
1.Blend all these in a blender with a whipper blade if you have it or use regular blender.Idea is to make frothy.If not sour enough,you could add 1-2 tbsp sour cream.
2. Then 1/4 Cup Crushed Ice and blend again.
3. To serve, frost the rim of a tall glass with lemon juice and powdered sugar.Pour in the shake. Garnish with mint leaves,Vanilla seeds and Rose Petals.

Finish It Off With A Plate Of Chilled Juicy Water Melon!!



ENJOY!! I will see you all on Monday!!