Punjabi · serves 2

Bhature

Yogurt-leavened dough, deep fried until it balloons. Chole is waiting.

30 min Some work Vegetarian No oven needed

Ingredients

  • 250g plain flour
  • 100g yogurt
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt

Method

  1. Knead the flour with the yogurt first, then add salt and soda and knead again.
  2. Rest it two hours. This is not optional — unrested dough won't puff.
  3. Roll into circles about half a centimetre thick.
  4. Slide into hot oil and press the middle down with a slotted spoon for half a minute until it balloons.
  5. Flip, brown lightly, and eat immediately.

Questions people ask about Bhature

How long does Bhature take?

About 30 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What is the one thing to get right in Bhature?

Rest it two hours. This is not optional — unrested dough won't puff.

What can I use instead of curd in Bhature?

Use thick Greek yogurt, or regular yogurt hung in a cloth for 20 minutes. Thin yogurt splits more easily, so always take the pan off the heat first.

Can I make Bhature ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Bhature vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

Can I make Bhature without an oven?

That is exactly what this recipe is for. It uses a pressure cooker, a pan or the fridge instead of an oven, and the method here is written for that, not adapted from a baked version.

What do you serve with Bhature?

Roti or naan, with curd and pickle. Baking is chemistry, so scale it by weight rather than by eye: double every quantity, use a tin with roughly double the area, and expect to add ten minutes or so. Judge it by the skewer, not the clock.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this