Chana Chaat Recipe | Just In 6 Easy Steps.

Chana Chaat is a mouthwatering and refreshing Indian street food that combines the goodness of chickpeas with a burst of flavors from various spices, chutneys, and crunchy vegetables. This popular chaat recipe is loved for its tangy, spicy, and sweet taste, making it a perfect snack for any time of the day.

To prepare Chana Chaat, cooked or canned chickpeas are combined with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and green chilies. These fresh and crunchy vegetables add texture and a vibrant touch to the dish. A medley of spices like chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and black salt are sprinkled over the chickpeas to enhance the flavor profile.

The chaat is elevated with the addition of tamarind chutney and green chutney. The tamarind chutney lends a sweet and tangy taste, while the green chutney adds a spicy kick to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice further enhances the overall zestiness.

Once all the ingredients are mixed together, the Chana Chaat is garnished with fresh coriander leaves and, if desired, crispy fried noodles or sev for an added crunch.

This delightful snack is not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the protein-rich chickpeas and the assortment of vegetables. It is often enjoyed as a light meal, as a part of a larger spread during gatherings, or as a popular street food snack.

Chana Chaat’s blend of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible treat that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re craving a flavorful snack or looking to impress guests with a delightful appetizer, Chana Chaat is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make chana chaat:

Ingredients Of Chana Chaat:

• Chickpeas (Chana): 1 cup, cooked or canned
• Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
• Tomato: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
• Green chili: 1-2, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Cucumber: 1 small, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro): A handful, finely chopped
• Chaat masala: 1-2 teaspoons (a tangy spice blend available in Indian grocery stores)
• Roasted cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
• Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Black salt: 1/2 teaspoon (can be substituted with regular salt)
• Lemon juice: From 1 lemon
• Tamarind chutney: 2-3 tablespoons (sweet and tangy chutney made from tamarind pulp)
• Green chutney: 2-3 tablespoons (spicy chutney made from coriander, mint, and green chilies)
• Sev or crispy fried noodles: For garnishing (optional)

These ingredients can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences, and additional spices or vegetables can be added for variation. Chana Chaat is a versatile dish that allows for creativity and customization, making it a delightful and flavorful snack.

Step By Step Instructions Of Chana Chaat Recipe:

Step 1: Soak and Boil the Chickpeas

Start by soaking 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain the water and transfer the soaked chickpeas to a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the chickpeas are tender. Once done, drain the chickpeas and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chutneys

While the chickpeas are boiling, you can prepare the chutneys. There are typically two types of chutneys used in chana chaat: tamarind chutney and green chutney.

For the tamarind chutney, soak a small ball of tamarind in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Then, extract the pulp by squeezing the tamarind and discard the seeds. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Once the cumin seeds start to splutter, add the tamarind pulp, 1/4 cup of jaggery or sugar, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Cook the mixture on low heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Allow it to cool and then strain the chutney to remove any remaining solids.

For the green chutney, blend together 1 cup of fresh coriander leaves, 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves, 2-3 green chilies, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt to taste. Add a little water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency. Transfer the chutney to a bowl and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chaat Ingredients

Next, gather the ingredients needed for the chana chaat. Finely chop 1 small onion, 1 tomato, and 1 green chili. Also, chop a handful of fresh coriander leaves for garnishing. Keep them aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Chana Chaat

In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled chickpeas, chopped onion, tomato, and green chili. Add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of chaat masala, 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add the Chutneys

Now, it’s time to add the prepared chutneys. Start by drizzling about 2 tablespoons of tamarind chutney over the chickpea mixture. Then, add 2 tablespoons of green chutney. Adjust the quantity of chutneys according to your taste preferences. Mix everything together until the chickpeas are well coated with the chutneys.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To garnish the chana chaat, sprinkle some roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and a pinch of red chili powder on top. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Give it a gentle toss to incorporate the garnishes.

Chana chaat is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it as a snack or appetizer. It’s best served fresh and can be enjoyed on its own or