Bhature (Punjabi Bread)

Bhatura is a very popular Punjabi bread eaten all over India. It is a popular breakfast dish in north India. It has a crisp exterior, spongy inside and a mild sour flavor. It is very easy to make and has no yeast, but instead yogurt and baking powder. Typically, bhature is served with chole and has all the essentials of a great brunch. It is filling and makes for a complete meal. In simple terms, bhatura bread is nothing but a fried bread served with chickpeas curry. So enjoy the recipe!

Preparation time: 4 hours
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 (8 bhature)

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups maida flour
• 2 tablespoons sooji/rava
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons oil
• 5 tablespoons yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying
• Water to knead into the dough

Directions:

1. Except the oil for frying,  mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Make the dough soft, but it should not be overly soft or too hard to knead.
2. Cover the bowl with a wet cloth and keep aside for at least four hours.
3. Make lemon sized balls and roll into thick round rotis. They should not be too thick or too thin.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan with the gas on medium high. Once the oil is hot, slide the bhature onto the oil. With a ladle, press the center and along the edges and it should puff. Flip over and fry the other side until medium or light golden brown. Remove onto absorbent paper.
5. Serve hot with chole, yogurt, fresh onion and salad of your choice.