Latest news with #CholeBhature
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'Khaas E Awadh' at Novotel Hyderabad Airport a true Lucknowi delight
Our meal began with Murgh Badami Shorba, a rich, creamy soup infused with the goodness of almonds: flavourful and comforting in every spoonful. Next came the starters, and we couldn't resist indulging in the all-time favourite Chole Bhature. The soft, fluffy bhature paired with perfectly spiced chole made it a must-try. The Palak Patta Chaat and Pani Puri, available at the live counter, added a delightful crunch and tang to the experience. The kebabs were a highlight for spice lovers and meat enthusiasts alike. We sampled Murgh Wajid Ali, Dudhiya Kebab, Mutton Galawati Kebab, and Jimikand Ki Galawat — each bursting with flavour, tender in texture, and cooked to perfection. The main course was nothing short of royal. It featured dishes like Shahi Paneer, the ever-indulgent Nalli Nihari, Murgh Hari Mirch Ka Korma, and both Dum Gosht and Dum Tarkari Biryani. Accompanied by assorted naan and roti, as well as Moong Mughlai Dal, the spread truly brought the spirit of Awadhi dining to life.
NDTV
2 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Why Your Bhature Won't Puff - And Other Chole Bhature Mistakes To Avoid
The first time you decide to make chole bhature at home, it feels like a bold move. Not because the ingredients are hard to find, but because the stakes are oddly high. With your attempt, you are chasing a memory, maybe of a roadside stall where the bhature came out puffed and proud, or a family Sunday where the chole simmered for hours and tasted better than ever. It is a dish that demands drama: the hiss of hot oil, the slow build of spices, the dough that needs just the right amount of rest. And while recipe books make it sound easy, anyone who has tried knows the truth. Getting both components right, together, is a bit of a balancing act. Too often, first-timers end up with chickpeas that are stubbornly undercooked, bhature that behave like pooris, or oil that refuses to cooperate. But don't you worry, these mistakes are common, fixable, and part of the learning curve. And as always, we have got your back. Here is a guide - not the recipe - that will help you go the right direction while making this North Indian delight. We will walk you through the mistakes to avoid so your chole bhature turns out bold, fluffy, and absolutely worth the effort. Also Read: Three Indian Dishes Ranked Among 50 Best Breakfasts In The World 6 Common Mistakes While Preparing Chole Bhature - And How To Fix Them: Mistake 1: Not Soaking The Chole Long Enough Chickpeas need time. And by time, we mean a good 8-10 hours of soaking. Skipping this step or rushing it with hot water will leave you with hard, unevenly cooked chole. So, plan ahead. Soak them overnight and let them swell up naturally. Your pressure cooker will thank you. Pro tip: Add a pinch of baking soda while soaking or boiling to soften the chickpeas further. Just do not overdo it. Mistake 2: Skipping The Masala Base Chole is all about depth of flavour. Simply boiling chickpeas and tossing them in store-bought masala will not cut it. You need a slow-cooked onion-tomato base, with ginger, garlic, and a generous mix of spices like cumin, coriander, amchur, and garam masala. Pro tip: Want that deep brown colour like the ones in dhabas? Try adding a tea bag while pressure cooking the chole. It adds colour without affecting taste. Mistake 3: Using Maida Alone For Bhature Dough While maida is the hero ingredient, using it alone can make your bhature chewy or too oily. The trick is to mix in a bit of sooji (semolina) and curd. This gives the dough structure and helps the bhature puff up beautifully. Pro tip: Knead the dough well and let it rest for at least 2 hours. The longer it rests, the better the texture will be. Also Read: 5 Of The Best Chole Bhature Places In Chandigarh You Must Try Photo Credit: iStock Mistake 4: Not Testing Oil Temperature Ever dropped a bhatura into lukewarm oil and watched it sulk at the bottom? It can be really frustrating. Remember, the oil needs to be hot. Really hot! If it is not, your bhature will absorb oil and turn greasy instead of crisp and airy. Pro tip: Drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it rises immediately and starts bubbling, you are good to go. Mistake 5: Overcrowding The Kadhai We get it! You are hungry and want to fry all the bhature at once. But overcrowding the kadhai drops the oil temperature and messes with the puffing. Fry one at a time and give each bhatura its moment to shine. Mistake 6: Forgetting The Final Touches Chole bhature is incomplete without the extras - pickled onions, green chutney, and a wedge of lemon. These little additions cut through the richness and elevate the whole plate. Pro tip: Make a quick onion salad with vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit while you cook. That adds a lovely zing to your meal. Also Read: Breakfast Special: 5 Punjabi Breakfast Combinations You Must Try The Bottom Line: Practice Makes Puffy Bhature Making chole bhature at home is a rite of passage for every Indian food lover. It is messy, slightly intimidating, and absolutely worth it. You might not nail it on the first try, but with each attempt, you will get closer to that perfect plate - the kind that makes you do a little happy dance in the kitchen. So go ahead, make mistakes, learn from them, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy cooking! Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Chole Bhature Mistakes Why Bhature Won't Puff Homemade Chole Bhature Chole Bhature Tips Indian Street Food Recipes Show full article Comments
NDTV
26-06-2025
- Climate
- NDTV
Monsoon Lunch Ideas: 10 Indian Comfort Foods You Can Order Right Now
The monsoon influences our moods and meal choices in subtle but powerful ways. As the rain pours down, many of us find ourselves replacing the cooling treats of summer with something warmer, richer and far more comforting. We might avoid street food due to hygiene concerns, but still crave its punchy flavours. And on days when the rain makes us want to skip cooking altogether, ordering in becomes the best plan. If you are wondering what to eat for lunch today, here are ten Indian comfort foods perfect for rainy afternoons. All of them are available on most food delivery apps. Here Are 10 Popular Indian Comfort Food Options For Rainy Day Lunches: 1. Masala Dosa South Indian dishes are known across the country for their familiar and soothing taste. On a busy, grey monsoon day, a plate of masala dosa can uplift your spirits. The crisp texture of the dosa contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced aloo filling, creating a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Also Read: 6 Tips To Prevent Your Food From Going Soggy In Monsoons 2. Chicken Kathi Roll When the rain is relentless and time is tight, handheld meals are your best friend. Chicken kathi rolls are easy to eat at your desk, in your car or between meetings. Tucked inside a flaky paratha, the juicy chicken filling packs plenty of flavour. Ideal for lunch on hectic days when you still want something indulgent. 3. Chole Bhature Craving something hearty and unapologetically rich? Chole Bhature fits the bill. The fluffy bhature with the spicy, tangy chickpea curry is a monsoon hit for a reason. This is not for those on a strict meal plan, but for those who want to enjoy their lunch with zero regrets. 4. Butter Chicken With Naan Butter chicken and naan are the classic combination that needs no introduction. The creamy, spiced gravy paired with soft, buttery bread is comfort food at its finest. If you are sharing with colleagues or family, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. While ordering it online, remember to get extra naans and rotis - one is rarely enough. 5. Seekh Kebabs Want something flavourful but not deep-fried? Seekh kebabs are a great choice. Typically cooked in a tandoor, they offer smoky flavour without the oil overload. Pair with naan or roti for a complete lunch. Many restaurants also serve them with mint chutney, which you can use to make your kebab roll on the side. 6. Paneer Tikka Paneer tikka is another tandoori favourite that can double as a main course. All you need to do is add a kulcha, roti or naan to your order. Juicy and rich in protein, it is one of the best vegetarian options for a filling and satisfying lunch, especially when you are working from home or just in the mood to lounge. 7. Misal Pav If you are looking for a fiery and flavourful dish this monsoon, Misal Pav is your answer. This spicy Maharashtrian staple offers crunchy textures, tangy bites and bold heat all in one plate. It is difficult to replicate its layers of flavour at home, so ordering in is often the smarter (and tastier) choice. 8. Mutton Biryani Biryani transcends seasons - it is always appropriate. Whether you are a fan of the Hyderabadi-style, the famous Kolkata version or other types, any plate of biryani can be deeply satisfying. If you are feeling indecisive, go for Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani. Fragrant rice, slow-cooked meat, warm spices - what is not to love? 9. Samosa Chaat Who says chaat is only for snacking? Samosa chaat is filling enough to be a proper meal. Rainy days often come with cravings, and there is something about monsoon weather that calls for street-style treats. If you are in the mood for tangy, spicy, crunchy goodness, this one should be at the top of your list. Also Read: How to Make Crispy Punjabi Samosa 10. Dal Khichdi If your stomach is feeling delicate or you simply want a light, balanced lunch, dal khichdi always delivers. It is also a smart choice during the monsoon, when the risk of infections is higher. Add some papad, pickle, or a simple side sabzi, and you have a complete and comforting thali-style meal. What is your go-to comfort food during the monsoon season? Share with us in the comments below.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Khan Sir's post wedding feast for his students leaves the internet amazed
Bihar's popular educator and philanthropist, Khan Sir recently got hitched in a lavish affair. Post his wedding, he planned a lavish feast for his students with around 156 dishes on the menu that left the internet amazed. Here's all you need to know about the grand feast and how netizens reacted to it! The elaborate feast On 20th June, Bihar's popular educator, Khan Sir hosted a lavish feast 'Mahabhoj' for his students. The massive spread has around 156 delicacies that were served at several parts of the venue. This wedding style 'bhoj' feast was attended by approximately 20,000 female students, where in the menu had a vast variety of dishes. According to a report published in a leading digital daily, it was mentioned that Khan Sir's coaching centre accommodates around 70,000 students with around 20,000 girls and 50,000 boys. 'Mahabhoj' organised by Khan Sir was attended by around 15,000 students, which hosted the students in two sessions, which started at the morning and continued till late night. Speaking to the media, Khan Sir revealed that it was impossible to host all students at the same time, thus the feasts were being organised over multiple days. He said that 'Patna lacks a venue large enough to accommodate such a vast crowd simultaneously, and caterers were unable to prepare food for such a large crowd. Consequently, the feasts are being organised over multiple days.' The post wedding feast The lavish feast began with JEE and NEET aspirants who were the first to attend the feast. While students preparing for other competitive exams arrived for the evening shift. In fact, the long queues and lavish buffet leaves netizens amazed. What's more, Khan Sir personally welcomed them with flower petals. Meals were served in various sections of the venue. What's on the plate The celebration carried on for a few days to host all the students in different sessions, the menu included everything from fresh fruits to classic mutton dishes. In fact, special arrangements were made for fasting students, with a selection of fruits such as mangoes, oranges, guavas, bananas, and papayas. The feast also included a selection of fine dry fruits, including cashew nuts, raisins, dates, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds, was also on offer, along with a variety of chips and savoury snacks. The menu also included crowd pulling starters like Chowmein, Manchurian, Dosa, Chole Bhature, Pizza, Momo, and Golgappa, which was popular among the students. What's more, the vegetarian main course included butter naan, plain rice, pulao, potato curry, mixed vegetables, matar paneer, rajma, shahi paneer, and types of pakoras. The 156 delicacy feast also had a massive spread of non-vegetarian options that included mutton, fish, eggs, and chicken dishes. What's your take on this! One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India Today
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Misal, Chole Bhature make India proud. Desi breakfasts crack TasteAtlas' Top 50
At a time when everyone is obsessing over croissants and avocado toast as the best breakfast options, flavorful Indian breakfasts are finally getting their moment in the global sun. In its latest edition of the 50 Best Breakfasts in the World, food guide TasteAtlas has named three Indian staples among the top contenders: Misal, Chole Bhature, and takes the crown Misal pav. (Photo: Unsplash) advertisementA Maharashtra staple, Misal is a spicy, sprout-based curry typically served with pav, farsan, onions, and a squeeze of lime. It has been ranked #9 globally. We can only call this dish one with a burst of flavours that will make you sweat, but you'll still ask for rising popularity on Instagram and street food shows may have helped bring it into the international spotlight, but locals will tell you—it's been a breakfast of champions for decades. Tumhi sahamat ahat ka?Balle balle for Chole Bhature Chole Bhature. (Photo: Unsplash) At #15 is the iconic Chole Bhature, fluffy fried bread paired with robust, tangy chickpeas. For Delhiites, it has been their OG breakfast option, and they can't (and everyone, actually) stop raving about it, and for obvious reasons. Be it on the streets of Old Delhi or in the kitchen of any Punjabi household, it has reigned there for ages The versatile OG Paratha. (Photo: Unsplash) advertisementYou can call it a North Indian staple, but parathas are enjoyed with some or the other kind of stuffing across the country. Taking the #25 spot, parathas are usually paired with curd, pickle, or even a dollop of butter. And there is no denying that parathas are the OG desi breakfast the kind of breakfast that makes you want to take a nap immediately after—which is honestly, part of its charm.A bigger win for Indian foodThe TasteAtlas ranking is based on audience votes and expert reviews, making it a bit of a global popularity poll. That Indian street breakfasts have elbowed their way into a list often dominated by European and East Asian staples is telling. People are waking up (literally) to the vibrancy of Indian Reel
