The name, Chole Bhature, itself leaves one salivating. It is one of the best combinations that especially people from North India love eating. Whether you make it at home or it is served to you at a restaurant, chole bhature’s magic always lies in the flavours and textures. Bhature is crispy and fluffy, and when you pair them with spiced and mouthwatering chole, the combo activates all your taste buds and satisfies your soul.
Nevertheless, what do you do when you are done eating too many chole bhature and some are left? Well, while chole bhature is considered one of the best and most delicious dishes in India, eating leftover bhature may not taste amazing. Apart from taste, it also tends to lose its appeal. Worry not, because all you need is the right heating method. If you heat it properly, it almost revives its original freshness. So, in this blog, let us explore the several methods that you can try to reheat your favourite chole bhature and enjoy its every bite. Even the leftover chole bhature can be as yummy as the freshly cooked one.
Proper storage of leftovers
Before you get into the reheating process, it is quite important to store the leftover chole bhature correctly. The foremost thing you must do is let the food cool down to room temperature before storing it. Storing hot food can lead to trapping moisture, which may affect the texture of the bhature as well as the flavour of the chole. Make sure you store chole and bhature separately in airtight containers. While you can store chole in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, bhature can be stored for 1-2 days. If you plan to consume it early, you can even store the bhature in a cool and dry place. Something to keep in mind is to avoid stacking bhature on top of each other so that you can maintain the puffiness and prevent those from getting soggy.
Reheating chole
Chole, being a gravy-based dish, is easier to be reheated. Here are two effective methods that can help you in reheating chole.
Stovetop method: To do this, you have to place the leftover chole in a saucepan. Now, add some water to adjust the consistency, since the gravy might get thickened overnight. You then have to keep heating the chole on medium heat and stir it occasionally until it is bubbling hot. This method not only reheats the chole but also allows the flavours to intensify.
Microwave method: If you do not have a lot of time, you can simply place the chole in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of water, cover it with a lid, and heat in 30-second intervals. Do not forget to stir it in between. Although microwaving is faster, make sure to stir well to ensure the heating is taking place evenly.
Reheating bhature
Reheating bhature is not as easy as reheating chole. Since bhature are fried bread, reheating them may lose the texture and fluffiness. You have to choose the right approach, in order to regain the original texture.
Oven method: You must preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You can then arrange the bhature on a baking tray and reheat for 3-5 minutes. This method will help you to maintain their fluffiness without making them too greasy.
Tawa (pan) method: If you do not have an oven, you can choose a tawa to reheat bhature. Place the bhature on a preheated pan over low to medium heat and flip them after a minute or two. Trying this method will lightly toast the outside while keeping the inside soft.
Air fryer method: If you have an air fryer, you can successfully reheat the bhature without much effort. It circulates hot air evenly, which ultimately crisps up the surface while keeping the inside soft. You can reheat them at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes.
Tips to enhance the leftover experience
Sometimes, even reheating alone may not be enough to recreate the fresh taste. Here are a few tips to improve the taste of your leftover chole bhature:
Add a fresh tadka (tempering): For chole, adding a fresh tadka (tempering) of ghee, cumin seeds, chopped garlic, and ginger can instantly refresh the dish. You cando this by heating some ghee or oil in a small pan, add your spices and aromatics to it, and pour this over the reheated chole. This will rejuvenate the flavours and add a delicious new aroma to the dish.
Sprinkle water on bhature: If you find your bhature too dry, you can lightly sprinkle water on them before reheating. This will help them retain moisture and prevent them from becoming hard during reheating.
Serve with fresh accompaniments: You can pair your reheated chole bhature with fresh sides such as onion rings, cucumber salad, or pickles. These refreshing additions can help balance the rich flavours and make the dish feel absolutely freshly prepared.
Bottom line!
Your leftover chole bhature does not have to feel like a compromise. With proper storage and reheating methods, you can recreate the experience of freshly made chole bhature even the next day. From gently reheating the chole on the stove to reviving the crispiness of bhature in the oven or on a tawa, every method ensures that the flavours and textures remain as satisfying as when first prepared. By adding simple enhancements like a fresh tadka or serving with crunchy sides, you can even elevate the dish beyond its original state. Leftovers, when handled with care, can become a delicious meal in their own right, making your favourite dish last even longer. So, next time you have extra chole bhature, follow these steps to enjoy it just as much the second time around!