Bhatura(Indian Bread)
Fluffy, crispy Indian bread deep-fried to perfection, with a slightly tangy flavor from yogurt, ideal for pairing with curries or enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and ghee together.
- Add yogurt and water and knead the dough until it's smooth and soft.
- Leave in a warm place for 6 to 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Break off balls of dough and roll out so that it is thin and about 5 inches wide.
- Deep fry the rolled-out dough in hot oil.
- As you fry the bread, keep pushing it to the bottom of the pan as it tends to float in the oil.
- Bread will puff up and become crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer bhaturas, ensure the dough is well-kneaded and rested for at least 6 hours. If you don’t have ghee, unsalted butter or vegetable oil can be good substitutes. To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to the dough. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate a little more flour until it's manageable. Remember, the key to perfect puffing is hot oil.
Serving Suggestions
Bhaturas are best served hot and fresh, ideally paired with chole (spicy chickpeas) for a classic combination. They also pair beautifully with Spinach With Yogurt And Spices (Palak Raita) for a cooling contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside a side of pickles and salad, or enjoy them with a sweet treat like Azra's Khir (Indian Rice Pudding).
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bhaturas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot, dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until warmed through, or microwave briefly. Avoid refrigerating, as that can make them hard.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bhatura(Indian Bread) contains roughly 2751 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 301g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1756mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my bhaturas not puffing up?
If your bhaturas aren't puffing up, it may be due to the oil temperature being too low. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Additionally, make sure the dough has been sufficiently rested and kneaded, as this helps develop gluten, which is essential for puffing.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bhatura dough in advance. After kneading, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out the bhaturas.
What can I serve with bhaturas?
Bhaturas are traditionally served with chole, a spicy chickpea curry. They also complement various Indian dishes like Vegetable Biryani or can be enjoyed simply with yogurt and pickles. For a refreshing side, consider pairing them with salads or raita to balance the spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).