Punjabi cuisine is known for its bold flavors, rich textures, and unforgettable combinations. Two dishes that capture this spirit perfectly are Chole Bhature and Punjabi Lassi. Found in street stalls and home kitchens alike, they represent the heart of North Indian food culture.
While Chole Bhature is a spicy, hearty meal often eaten for breakfast or lunch, Lassi is a cool, creamy yogurt based drink enjoyed any time of the day. Both are beloved not only in Punjab but across India and beyond.
Bring home the bold flavors of Punjab with this step-by-step guide to making the iconic Chole Bhature and refreshing Lassi.
Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to making these two Punjabi favorites at home.
Recipe 1: Chole Bhature (Spicy Chickpeas with Fried Bread)
Ingredients for Chole (Chickpeas Curry):
- Chickpeas (chole/kabuli chana): 1 cup (soaked overnight)
- Onion: 2 medium, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, pureed
- Green chilies: 2, slit
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Chole masala: 2 tsp (store-bought or homemade)
- Turmeric powder: ½ tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: ½ tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh coriander: for garnish
Ingredients for Bhature:
- All-purpose flour (maida): 2 cups
- Semolina (sooji): 2 tbsp
- Curd (yogurt): ½ cup
- Baking soda: ¼ tsp
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Warm water: as needed
- Oil: for deep frying
Instructions to Make Chole:
1. Boil chickpeas:
2. Drain soaked chickpeas. Pressure cook with salt, water, and a pinch of baking soda for 5–6 whistles or until soft.
3. Prepare the masala base:
4. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. When they splutter, add onions. Sauté until golden brown.
5. Add garlic, ginger, and chilies:
6. Cook for a minute, then add tomato puree. Cook until the mixture leaves oil on the sides. 7. Add spices:
8. Mix in turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and chole masala. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes. 9. Combine with chickpeas:
10. Add the cooked chickpeas along with some of the water they were boiled in. Mash a few chickpeas for a thicker gravy. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
11. Finish with garam masala and garnish:
12. Sprinkle garam masala, stir, and garnish with fresh coriander.
Instructions to Make Bhature:
1. Prepare dough:
2. In a large bowl, mix maida, sooji, sugar, salt, baking soda, and curd. Slowly add warm water and knead into a soft dough.
3. Rest the dough:
4. Cover and rest for 2–3 hours in a warm place.
5. Roll and fry:
6. Divide dough into equal portions. Roll out into circles (like puris but larger). Heat oil in a deep pan and fry until golden brown and puffed.
Recipe 2: Punjabi Lassi (Sweet Yogurt Drink)
Ingredients:
- Fresh curd (yogurt): 2 cups (well chilled)
- Cold water or milk: ½ cup
- Sugar: 3–4 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom powder: ¼ tsp (optional)
- Saffron strands (optional): a few, soaked in warm milk
- Rose water (optional): ½ tsp
- Crushed ice: as needed
- Malai (cream) or butter: for topping
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios): for garnish
Instructions:
1. Blend the curd:
2. In a large bowl or blender, whisk the curd until smooth and creamy.
3. Add sugar and flavor:
4. Add sugar, cardamom, and rose water. Blend again with cold water or milk until frothy. 5. Chill and serve:
6. Pour into tall glasses over crushed ice. Top with a spoon of malai or a small cube of white butter. 7. Garnish:
8. Sprinkle with chopped nuts or saffron for an extra touch.
A Perfect Punjabi Combo
Chole Bhature and Lassi may seem like opposites—one hot and spicy, the other cool and sweet—but they make an unforgettable combination. Often served together at Punjabi weddings, roadside dhabas, and weekend breakfasts, they symbolize the state's love for flavor and indulgence.
“Chole Bhature and Lassi are more than food—they’re part of our identity,” says Gurdial Singh, owner of a popular Amritsar eatery. “People may come for a meal, but they leave with memories.”
While both dishes are rich and filling, when enjoyed occasionally and prepared at home with fresh ingredients, they can be a wholesome treat. Yogurt in Lassi helps digestion, and chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber.
